[sheridan]

Hi all,
My 3 chooks are in the coops and run for the mornings, then i let them out to devastate the garden in the afternoons. It's a 250 foot long one, so they have a lot of fun. As do the kids. One is especially tame and follows my 3 year old around as he digs for worms etc, and lets him pick her up and carry her around quite happily. I pick up the poo as I see it, poo pick once they are in again.

Currently, I get the kids to wash their hands once they come inside, and all shoes etc are ditched at the door. They know not to put their hands in their mouth etc. But my husband was worried that I am not doing enough (although short of disinfecting the areas they've plopped on, i'm not sure what else I can do!). What do people think? We don't let them indoors, though they do peck on the patio doors forlornly if they see us eating inside!

Sheridan

[birmancats]

I think you are doing just right. Just like you I handle them and then wash my hands as soon as I come in. 

Only time I wear gloves is when poo picking and I keep that pair separate from all others. 

We don't poo pick the wild birds so don't worry.

[8doubles]

I am one of the `do not worry too much' brigade , far more chance of picking up a nasty virus or bacteria at school or from a shop door handle.
You can only wash your hands so many times in a day and if the kids are healthy their immune system will sort out the rest.

No sense in becoming an obsessive compulsive hand washer who`s immune system gets no work so does not work.

[alancane]

I would also agree that you are doing enough. Children are exposed to many germs at school, playgrounds, in parks etc. Whilst I think hygiene is incredibly important, some people worry way too much about germs... let them play and have fun!

[Aunt Sally]

You are doing just right.  Normal hygiene is all that's needed.  It's a great learning opportunity for the children to observe and interact with animals. 

[bantam novice]

I would agree here.  Normal hygiene is fine and the children's immune systems will become stronger from having a little contact with good honest dirt 

Sounds like they are having fun     It's never too early to become a henaholic 

[daisy1990]

also agree but just to add most people dont wash their hands correctly.  All parts of the hands should be rubbed (soap is fine) most people miss the backs and around the thumbs.  Drying afterwards is equally important.  If you swab hands that haven't been washed and dried correctly they can have a higher bacterial count than hands not washed at all.  Its a good idea to teach children how to wash properly!

[Biguba]

shop door handle? OK...

[orchardlady]

We started keeping hens when my son was 3 and his sister 2. My daughter used to sit on a log with a chicken in her arms with her thumb in her mouth and the other hand under the hens wing. It was so soft and warm or translated into little person's speek. "Humm humm!" They are now huge great 17 and 18 year olds so have lived to tell the tale. You sound as if all you are doing is OK.

[otis pony]

I also have three girls who roam free in the afternoons and three children who do same!  They have learnt that it's important to wash their hands when coming in from playing with the hens and after collecting the eggs.  The only change I have made is that I buy antibacterial handwash now as an extra precaution, I don't know if it makes any difference but makes hubby happy!  You are doing the right thing...................

[sheridan]

Thank you all for your replies, I feel much better about this now. Particularly as I came across son sitting on the trampoline with hen Maddy with his hands stuffed under her wings as a previous poster mentioned! She was asleep.

Handwashing instructions duly noted, thanks!

[Sassy]

I think everyone has their own ideas on this one. That said the replies on here are great. People often worry about 'germs' from animals unnecessarily. I was reading this weekend that you are far more likely to catch something nasty from kissing another human than from letting a dog lick your mouth!

It's great that so many on here have good old fashioned common sense!

[craig1981]

im a big believer that a bit of dirt and grime is good for kids . My 2 play with the chickens and get chicken poo in most places  and i keep my house clean but not immaculate like people i know and my kids are never ill with the usual coughs and colds everyone normally gets and im convinced theres a link

[daisy1990]

you are correct our immune system needs to be subject to bacteria (within reason) to kick start it into action.  I am a great believer in everything in moderation.  I am surrounded by germs (I work in a hospital) but am never ill.  It is also now accepted that good handwashing is the basis for preventing the spread of many diseases.  Children who have hens are also more likely to spend time out doors and this is also good for them!