Poultry perspective
By: Yvonne Vizzier Thaxton
Chickens in the family home
(The views and opinions expressed in this blog are strictly those of the author.)
Chickens have moved from the novelty pet category into a mainstream pet that provides food. I am continually amazed at the number of people I encounter who have pet chickens. The usual reasons include the desire to have something unusual, something small as well as a pet that provides food to urbanites. These pet birds are often exotic breeds selected for their novel appearance. This has long been a practice on many farms where people are accustomed to agricultural animals.
However, over the last 3 years, I had a number of questions from owners of pet chickens who live in town. The problems are much more varied as this is often the first experience with barnyard animals for these owners. I’ve heard stories of brooding in the bathtub, brooding in a box in family room and even the kitchen. While I am delighted that “city folks” are learning about animal agriculture, I worry about the potential for disease spread from birds to humans.
My worry grew to alarm when I learned about chicken diapers. It is not a joke! You can purchase diapers designed for adult chickens. The purpose is to facilitate the keeping of the birds in the house. I remember the problems that arose from pet turtles and Salmonella. I’m wondering if chickens roaming the family home, even with diapers might lead to the next pet scare. Salmonella is common in poultry, so unless these birds originate from Salmonella free flock, I think the potential for disease spread is significant both to humans and to other animals.
I think chickens could be fun and educational pets for children, but I do not think they belong in the family home. But then, I once read a long story about a couple that kept a horse in the house.
October 05, 2010
