What's your hygiene practices?

[AquaDuck]

Survey's show that even though most backyard animal owners are educated about the risks of pathogens such as salmonella, they have a relaxed view on hygiene and avoiding transfer of diseases. Many of us have birds so that we can spend time with them, petting and having them walk in our yard, exposing not only us but others to potential diseases.

One such survey:
Salmonella Knowledge, Attitude and Practices: A survey of Backyard Poultry Owners

I thought it would be interesting to do a "survey" here.
What's your hygiene practices? What's your view on the dangers of pathogen transmission from backyard poultry to humans and other animals? Is it something you think about?

 

[dawg53]

Hygiene is key, properly cooked food as well. It's part of biosecurity with all animals. Common sense.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

I do the best to keep my hands washed after handling my chickens. Children especially need to learn to keep their hands clean and not touch their faces, other kids, other animals or their toys after petting or playing with chickens. Wearing special shoes in the chicken coop is a good thing, even a certain shirt, or apron.

 

[Trish1974]

Is it just me or do people seem to get sick easier nowadays??

I wash my hands after handling the chickens, their feeders and waterers, and touching eggs. That's it. I grew up on a farm in the 70s and 80s and as kids we were always running around outside. Sometimes barefoot. We would pick up and hold the cats, jump on the horses bareback, let the cows lick our faces, eat stuff out of the garden without washing it, collecting eggs, etc....and I'm sure there were many times we stuck our hands in our eyes or mouth without washing them. We never got sick. I think to some degree natural immunity plays a part.

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

I’ll be honest, I do cuddle, pet, and even kiss my birds. I know it’s not sanitary, but I can’t help it, it’s like having a dog and never showing them any affection. However I do always advise people to not do what I do.

After I’m out with my birds I do always wash my hands though, and I wear special boots specifically to be worn only in the coops. And I do change my clothes afterwards.

If I’m handling a sick bird, then I do always make sure I not only wash my hands but take a shower as well.

As stated above, when I was younger I’m sure there were times I was out running around and playing with the pets and didn’t wash my hands ect. I also used to work at a petting zoo, and I was in charge of the calf. So of course it was always licking my face and trying to suckle my nose. I don’t regret it at all, I loved that calf, I was always laying down with it and snuggling.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I wash my hands after handling, take off my shoes before coming inside and don't eat poopy eggs.