Just read an article about how SALMONELLA from backyard chickens is spreading. People treat them like pets instead of livestock: in the house, holding and cuddling, etc. Something like 400 people this year alone just from their own chickens.

We had one tenant with chickens but I am how going to write it out too!

The indoor pet chickens aren't the issue, it's when they're outside. Another huge food item responsible for salmonella is actually cantaloupe.

I was raising one of mine to be an indoor pet chicken because they can be littered trained. Why not?

It's hilarious!

Except it ended up being a rooster, so we put

Him outside.

Tuesday, he started crowing, so him and 4

others went into the freezer.

The report is 8 outbreaks with 372 people infected with salmonella.

The increase is often seen in the spring because chicks are typically available then (i.e., Tractor Supply has their "chick days" around here in March; lasts about a month).

Chicks need warmth so it's not unusual that they may be kept inside (a garage, a basement, an enclosed porch, a separate room) and, being fluffy little critters, handled more until they grow into teenagers and can be moved outdoors.

We've had backyard chickens for the past six or seven years. This year I hatched out some bantams. Being chickens, the basically eat, drink and poop. Luckily we have a baby pen outside so within a short period of time, out they went.

And yes, today one of them started attempting to crow. I haven't the heart to send it to freezer camp (and these are bantams so not much meat on them anyway) so they'll be given away to others who live out in the country.

As with ANY pet, you want to wash your hands after handling them. And Cantaloupes are a good source too, which is why you should wash the outside with soap and water before cutting them.

W,

True dat!

Mostly I don't want another thing to manage, complaints from neighbors, and the bare dirt after they leave.

A local LL is asking for advice. His res has interpreted our new chicken ordinance and thinks it applies to ducks, turkeys, and goats, all now in his backyard in town.

BRAD