Who wears a mask cleaning up after their chickens?

[Nicole01]

I should wear rubber gloves too, we always have a box full handy.

 

[Dar]

there a few different types of masks... there are the simple ones that leave holes at the top of your nose and at the sides by your cheeks and more by your chin... they usually loop around your ears.. these are ok bu dont stop much. we use them in the nursing home when we have colds or the patient has a condition that is transmitted by sputum ..

when I clean the coop I use the N95 mask that fits tighter and has straps that go around the back of your head. (we used them during the SARS outbreak) they seem to filter much more stuff out

I always have gloves on hand I use them for everything... kitty litter, changing the garbage,

 

[yinepu]

Quote:
this happened to me when we were trying to scrape that popcorn type texture stuff off our living room ceiling before we repainted

I never wear a mask.. I just turn on a fan blowing out for more ventilation.. i probably should.. but in all the years i have had chickens i have never gotten sick from it.. i know.. only takes one time.. but i can be kind of stupid and old fashioned at times (hey.. at least I admit it!)

 

[sabianshepherds]

ism glad I read this, I am prone to bronchitis, and I use a lot of DE for chickens and dogs. I will go out and by a mask. I always were gloves just because I feed the dogs raw, and I don't want that between my nails.

 

[Klwright1122]

Good thread...never really thought about it actually...I will start doing it...thanks!!

 

[sourland]

It is very common to develop allergy related symptoms to animal and bird dander. I am sensitized to rat, rabbit, and guinea pig urine and dander through workplace related exposure. Do an online search on "pigeon lung". Similar conditions can be caused by exposure to other bird danders. I always use a canister type mask when cleaning coops. Foy's Pigeon Supply sells an excellent mask. I recommend using a mask when cleaning coops.

 

[Kazzandra]

Not in everyday maintenance do I wear a mask, but if I'm doing a big cleanup and it's dusty, I'll wear a disposable or a bandana. When I used DE in the coop I always wore a mask.

You and your chickens can get a lot of things, but that's no reason to freakout. Chickens can get so many illnesses (and humans, too) it's amazing we're not always sick or that we're not always freaking out about what we could get.

I think taking reasonable precautions and using a bit of common sense will get you a long way.

 

[Nicole01]

The warning label on the DE says it may cause lung disease/cancer if inhaled for a prolonged time. I personally think DE is one of the best products! One of the main reasons I use a mask.

I broke my neck 3 years ago and I deal with permanent spinal cord damage. I do not need to take any chances to make living any more difficult. Since I've injured myself, I look at life in a whole new way and I try my best not to take anything for granted.

 

[dawg53]

I wear 2 masks, 2 pairs of disposable plastic gloves and goggles while cleaning their house and while dusting. It's hot, it's humid and it sucks. But I gotta do what I gotta do.

 

[allieloveschickens]

I don't wear a mask, but it sounds like it could be a good idea!