Samonella

[Paintingsummerpurple]

I fed my chickens lettuce that has been recalled due to samonella. Can the chickens get ill from this?What can we do? What should we look for? Can the eggs be eaten?

 

[azygous]

Chickens are similar to people in the respect that healthy ones aren't likely to get sick from being exposed to a very tiny amount of the bacteria.

The things to watch for are chickens that have lost their appetites, are lethargic, may have loose, runny poop, may be standing around on the outskirts all fluffed up.

Knowing they could have been exposed to the bacteria, be prepared to start the sick ones on an antibiotic. You should be able to find penicillin at feed stores or fish antibiotics at a pet store.

Eggs are fine to eat as long as you cook them. Cooking kills bacteria.

 

[Folly's place]

You can have them, or eggs, tested; call your state vet lab and ask how it's done.
Meanwhile, for sure only eat cooked eggs!!!
Mary

 

[azygous]

When I got some hatchery chicks several years ago, it was on the news that the hatchery had a salmonella contamination issue. Worried my new chicks might be infected, I took random poop samples from them and the flock and sent them to the state lab for testing.

I was relieved to find out they all passed muster and I got a certificate attesting to my flock being salmonella free. I do recommend doing this if you are concerned. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind.

 

[Folly's place]

Peace of mind, and actually knowing test results, are good things.
Mary