Two Hands

Two Hands, a photo by Catcher In My Eye on Flickr.

The three day old chicks loved the attention they got from our Grandsons.

I followed the Safe Handling instructions from TRACTOR SUPPLY given to me when I purchased my chicks...

http://www.tractorsupply.com/content/knowhow/livestockcare/livestock_care_raising_chicks

Safe Handling Instructions

It is important to care for and love your chicks, but you must also protect yourself. Salmonella, a common cause of food borne illness, can also be spread by direct contact with animals, like chicks, that carry the bacteria. Here are some tips to keep you safe:

Avoid contact with poultry manure. Adults should clean out cages frequently.

Carefully and thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after handling chicks or anything in the chicks' environment.

Do not nuzzle or kiss chicks, ducklings, turkeys, etc.

Keep chicks outside, and especially out of areas where food is prepared.

Supervise children when handling, and ensure they wash their hands after contact.

Children under 5 years old, people with weakened immune systems and women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should not handle chicks.

Small Peeps

Small Peeps, a photo by Catcher In My Eye on Flickr.

On March 14, 2011, my Rhode Island Red chicks were born.  I picked out my three day old chicks at the Edmond, OK, TRACTOR SUPPLY store.

Grandsons held our new baby chicks a few hours after getting them settled in their brooder at home, following the CDC baby poultry safe handling instructions.

DO:

*Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam.

*Adults should supervise hand washing for young children.

*If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer until you are able to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

DON’T:

*Don’t let children younger than 5 years of age, elderly persons, or people with weak immune systems handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other live poultry.

*Don’t let live poultry inside the house, in bathrooms, or especially in areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored, such as kitchens, or outdoor patios.

*Don’t snuggle or kiss the birds, touch your mouth, or eat or drink around live poultry.

http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/resources/salmonella-baby-poultry.pdf