Should I Cancel My Chick Order?

[drdoolittle]

Well, hubby and I decided to order 50 broiler chicks to raise for the freezer. Unfortunately, I ended up ordering from Mt. Healthy hatchery before I knew of the salmonella outbreak traced back to them. I just put my order in last night, and wonder if I should cancel it and order through our local feed mill? What would you all do?

 

[drdoolittle]

No advice then? I guess I can call Mt. Healthy and talk to them, but I already know they will assure me that there is nothing to worry about. But these are chickens my family will be eating. So please, any opinion is welcome.

 

[RJSorensen]

Call them and talk with them about it. Chicks fresh from the egg don't 'have anything' yet. Where as we don't know where in the hatchery the out break is, or how it spread, and to what sections or areas are at risk. I would perhaps error on the side of safety…

Listen closely when you talk with them. If they have the problem, they are most likely under a lot of duress. You only can make the decision, based on how you feel, and how the call goes. Perhaps they will offer something to help make the situation work out.

Best to you,

RJ

 

[samandemsmommy]

JMO- but I would cancel and order somewhere else because it would just make me feel better personally. Best of luck!

 

[Realtree4]

Last week I talked to a professor at an agricultural college around here. I had questions about selling eggs, etc. since I had him on the phone, I asked him about salmonella since we got our ducks from Mt. Healthy and are going to sell eggs, eat the drakes, etc. He was very adamant that if you cook the eggs, meat, etc to the correct temperature then it just fine. Also, as you should with any meat and eggs, practice proper handling

 

[donrae]

Last week I talked to a professor at an agricultural college around here. I had questions about selling eggs, etc. since I had him on the phone, I asked him about salmonella since we got our ducks from Mt. Healthy and are going to sell eggs, eat the drakes, etc. He was very adamant that if you cook the eggs, meat, etc to the correct temperature then it just fine. Also, as you should with any meat and eggs, practice proper handling

This is my understanding. If you go to the CDC site about the salmonella outbreaks, it basically was an issue of basic hygiene. folks kissing chicks, things like that. Don't kiss your broilers, wash your hands after caring for them, wash your hands after butchering, and fully cook your meat. Problem solved.

 

[drdoolittle]

Thanks everyone. I feel better about having ordered from them. I always practice safe handling procedures, so I am going to keep my order as is.

 

[LazerClaire]

I think that Mt Healthy has a systemic issue. They've had salmonella outbreaks several years in a row.