Chook Me!

How unsanitary and 'germy' are baby chicks/chickens?

Because I want to get some chicks. But some people I know say baby chicks are very dirty and germy. I don't think they are, but I don't know. So how dirty are they in your opinion?

Public Comments

1. They can carry salmonella.
2. Depends on how you care for them. How clean you keep the coop, etc..... My hens ignored their chick so I took over his care. I would put him in a cat carrier and put him in the coop so he and they would get used to him and give him some security. Eventually he bonded with me and would wait for me to pick him up, sometimes he would go into the carrier himself. I have pictures of him walking all over me. I had to get my daughter to come and literally get him off my back. I never got sick nor did my daughter. He now takes care of the new little bantam's I have (he is a Vermont Red so he is very big). So in a nut shell, I think they are cute, but I keep the coops clean and give them scratch feed as well and layer mash, fresh lettuce when possible so they don't have to dig around too much
3. I agree with Arlene. They also carry mites. They can be very clean if their coop and areas are raked and cleaned. They step in their own fecal matter so when you pick them up you can get fecal matter on your hands, clothes etc. I know of a Dr.'s son when he was very little picked up a full grown hen and kissed it. He later was very sick and was determined that he picked up salmonella from the hen. So...keep the chicks clean if you are getting some and wash your hands every time..just common sense around all livestock. Ask your farm store for exactly what you will need to keep them clean and safe from mites and salmonella.
4. This will depend on the owner since birds cant clean up after themselves so the owner will have to tend to the sanitary needs right?? And for germs we humans carry more than a chicken will ever get so for that answer very little they can carry a parasite or two, The person who has the birds should tend to the coop/pen/house at least 1 a week to clean out the waste and lost feathers and any trash the birds have left behind.Keep the floor dry and clean and the roosts clean and litter free, the nest boxes clean as well fromany messy hens and their laying eggs. All falls into the owners hands...
5. Ok......If you plan on eating them if u dont cook properly salamanella u can get. btw... i love chickens. I have owned them for many years. I wouldnt eat mine. I have a rooster named eric and a hen named Jewel. There Black Australorps. I recommend that breed, there docile and great layers, so friendly. My rooster when i get home runs around the house to greet me. I rife my quad and he chases me., its so cute. He knows his name. My hen, i can put her in my lap and she stays there and would fall asleep... They CAN be dirty if you dont clean up after them. I had mine in a coop, and it got messy, thats why mine are free range and fertilize my grass. If you clean up weekly they are great any more Qs on breeds to get, feed, gettin ready then ask me @ bethbethani@yahoo.com