Taking a poll

[Mimi13]

Been times when I didn’t have a Kleenex too...well you know no ones really lookin.

Okay, you got me on this one. Who’s got time for Kleenex outside? And outside is gonna be where you’ll generally find me. I learned that little trick 50+ years ago from my granddaddy. I know it’s not very ladylike, but it gets the job done. And like you said, “Who’s watching?”

 

[JaeG]

Yes, I wash hands every time I handle birds, eggs, feeders, waterers, cleaning coop, etc. At one time I had a food safety license , I have also been a certified nurse assistant, and I got in the habit of washing hands a lot. I wash my hands after going out in public too. I have to use a LOT of lotion for dry hands!

Try and find someone who makes their own soap using all natural ingredients. I used to be miserable every winter with cracking, bleeding hands because of the soap I was using - it was agony and hand cream didn't help at all. Since changing to a natural bar soap made with a lye discount (meaning more oil is used to ensure no caustic soda remains) my hands are beautiful all year round - no hand cream required. And I do wash them a lot.

As to the OPs question I do come inside and wash my hands after handling any of our birds or their feeders etc, and again before I handle food, and also after handling any of our cats and dog's food whether they eat kibble or are raw fed.

I do kiss my cockatiels and our cats (on the tops of their heads) though. Cuteness wins over cleanliness. The dog would kiss back so she just gets a "Good girl".

 

[Mimi13]

I must confess, proudly I might add, that I do not wash the majority of time I’m around my chickens, or dogs, or horses. I am outside 75% of my waking hours doing something or, heck, just piddling. That time is definitely my saving grace and my animals are always around me.

All throughout the day I am constantly getting dirt of some kind on me; my hands, arms, face and especially my feet in the summer. Yes, I’m the girl who will muck a horse stall in flip flops. I definitely scrub my feet and use a pumice stone, to boot, as I do like pretty feet on occasion. I am also the girl who, along with cleaning fish, gutting deer or chickens, picks up worms, lizards, frogs, etc. Oh yeah, I’ve even been known to pick up a horse ‘apple’ and toss it at something or someone.

All during the day I will pick up, hold, and kiss whichever chick comes by. Sometimes I sit and pick through the feathers (human preening) of some of my girls. They will even preen on my hand or arm with their beak as I do it, thinking they’re preening themselves. At times, after a molt, I’ve had a pile of the papery feather sheaths in my lap and all around. I scratch them just about all over. They seem to love it and I am thankful for and enjoy my time with them. As far as biosecurity with my birds? I have just one big flock so I don’t suppose I’ll spread something to one from another that they wouldn’t pick up themselves.

I’m certain I have dried poop dust all over my clothes in addition to my hands, neck, and face. If I happen to come into contact with a little wet poop, I’ll rub it off on my jeans or shorts. It dries! No harm, no “fowl!” No, really! It’s just not a big deal to me. Shoot, I even have dirt and poop get in the daily cuts and scratches I get on my hands, arms, and legs. No bandaids used here.

I take no extra steps of washing until I come inside to do things for my family. I take my boots (or flip flops) off at the door. I am adamant about that. I wash not only my hands, up to my elbows, with Lava (anyone remember that stuff), but will definitely change clothes and even take a shower if it warrants. I do clean up pretty good though - but only when I have to now that I am retired.

And, since I was a kid who enjoyed being outside and, of course, getting dirty, I’m sure my immune system was and is as strong as can be. Which leaves me with one last thought, “I’m a heifer that’s as healthy as a horse!”

Yep, I’m down to earth and now, pretty transparent, huh? Please don’t hate me!

 

[want2know]

Do you wash your hands every time after handling your chickens?

Yes, I also wash my hands after handling my other animals.

 

[Abriana]

I always wash, I got into the habit. Chickens do have parasites and carry salmonella. Now I DO kiss them lol but I always wash my hands.

 

[aart]

Now I DO kiss them lol but I always wash my hands.

....and wash your face and brush your teeth?

 

[Kiki]

In case you all haven't noticed...the poll has been added.
Can you please take a second and vote.
Thx!

 

[MROO]

Try and find someone who makes their own soap using all natural ingredients. I used to be miserable every winter with cracking, bleeding hands because of the soap I was using - it was agony and hand cream didn't help at all. Since changing to a natural bar soap made with a lye discount (meaning more oil is used to ensure no caustic soda remains) my hands are beautiful all year round - no hand cream required. And I do wash them a lot.

As to the OPs question I do come inside and wash my hands after handling any of our birds or their feeders etc, and again before I handle food, and also after handling any of our cats and dog's food whether they eat kibble or are raw fed.

I do kiss my cockatiels and our cats (on the tops of their heads) though. Cuteness wins over cleanliness. The dog would kiss back so she just gets a "Good girl".

Ask any kid who has done the "Whose Kiss Is Cleaner, My Dog's Or My "Peoples'?" Science Fair experiment, and they'll tell you that you are FAR better off kissing your dog than your spouse/other half! Some of those "people cultures" were NASTY!

 

[MissChick@dee]

I must confess, proudly I might add, that I do not wash the majority of time I’m around my chickens, or dogs, or horses. I am outside 75% of my waking hours doing something or, heck, just piddling. That time is definitely my saving grace and my animals are always around me.

All throughout the day I am constantly getting dirt of some kind on me; my hands, arms, face and especially my feet in the summer. Yes, I’m the girl who will muck a horse stall in flip flops. I definitely scrub my feet and use a pumice stone, to boot, as I do like pretty feet on occasion. I am also the girl who, along with cleaning fish, gutting deer or chickens, picks up worms, lizards, frogs, etc. Oh yeah, I’ve even been known to pick up a horse ‘apple’ and toss it at something or someone.

All during the day I will pick up, hold, and kiss whichever chick comes by. Sometimes I sit and pick through the feathers (human preening) of some of my girls. They will even preen on my hand or arm with their beak as I do it, thinking they’re preening themselves. At times, after a molt, I’ve had a pile of the papery feather sheaths in my lap and all around. I scratch them just about all over. They seem to love it and I am thankful for and enjoy my time with them. As far as biosecurity with my birds? I have just one big flock so I don’t suppose I’ll spread something to one from another that they wouldn’t pick up themselves.

I’m certain I have dried poop dust all over my clothes in addition to my hands, neck, and face. If I happen to come into contact with a little wet poop, I’ll rub it off on my jeans or shorts. It dries! No harm, no “fowl!” No, really! It’s just not a big deal to me. Shoot, I even have dirt and poop get in the daily cuts and scratches I get on my hands, arms, and legs. No bandaids used here.

I take no extra steps of washing until I come inside to do things for my family. I take my boots (or flip flops) off at the door. I am adamant about that. I wash not only my hands, up to my elbows, with Lava (anyone remember that stuff), but will definitely change clothes and even take a shower if it warrants. I do clean up pretty good though - but only when I have to now that I am retired.

And, since I was a kid who enjoyed being outside and, of course, getting dirty, I’m sure my immune system was and is as strong as can be. Which leaves me with one last thought, “I’m a heifer that’s as healthy as a horse!”

Yep, I’m down to earth and now, pretty transparent, huh? Please don’t hate me!

Ya live long enough to retire and do the things you loved as a child. You sound like my kinda person.
People have learned to not even knock on my front door they just holler over the fence. My husband now tells me “it’s time to come in” he installed flood lights so I can be out all night Iffin I want to. And yes I remember Lava....when I’m feeling especially girly I use Irish Spring!

 

[Mimi13]

Ya live long enough to retire and do the things you loved as a child. You sound like my kinda person.
People have learned to not even knock on my front door they just holler over the fence. My husband now tells me “it’s time to come in” he installed flood lights so I can be out all night Iffin I want to. And yes I remember Lava....when I’m feeling especially girly I use Irish Spring!

And what I get is, “When you gonna come inside and cook supper?” And this will be at 9 pm (in the summer of course).