Zinc toxicity in chickens

noisegeyser

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At work I have to touch a lot of galvanized metal surfaces, and I noticed one day when I negated to wear gloves my right hand had some black ground into the cracks in the skin. Some of it may be dirt, but I'm sure some of it is from the metal cans I'm constantly handling. I have no way of knowing whether or not what came off on my hands is zinc from the cans or simply dirt from being outside, but I am worried that traces of zinc from my hands might make it's way into my chickens' food or water. I've scrubbed my hand with a brush under scalding hot water for minutes and it's not going away yet. Until it goes away I should probably wear latex gloves while taking care of their food and water.

Has anyone here ever seen zinc/lead poisoning happen to chickens from small amounts stuck on hands? My birds have no way of ingesting actual zinc objects, but I'm very worried that I will make them sick with these trace amounts that seem to be impossible to remove.
 
I doubt that any residue on your hands would find it ‘s way to the chickens’ food and water if you scoop out the feed, and clean your waterers normally, then fill them from a bucket or faucet. I would wear gloves if possible for your own good though.
 
How large of a risk of zinc toxicity would you guys say there is if they ingest paint that's chipped off from an electrocoated steel cage? I will get them a stainless steel or wooden cage as soon as I can, but it will be at least a couple of weeks.
 

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