Preparation and Care of Day Old Poultry

Poultry Care

Click on any of the links below to find information about the preparation and care for specific types of poultry.  

Safe Handling of Poultry

When receiving your Poultry please be aware, it is important to care for your poultry, but you must also protect yourself from potentially harmful micro-organisms, germs (including salmonella) and bacteria by direct contact with poultry and livestock.
 
  • DO supervise children when handling poultry and ensure hand washing after contact.

  • DO carefully and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and hot water after handling poultry and anything in the area where they live and roam (if soap and water are not available use hand sanitizer).

  • KEEP poultry outside, and especially out of areas where food and drink is prepared, served or stored. Also keep out of bathrooms.

  • DO NOT nuzzle, snuggle or kiss your livestock or poultry. 

  • DO NOT let children less than 5 year of age, elderly and people with weakened immune systems handle or touch livestock including poultry.

  • Contact with live poultry (chicks, chickens, ducklings, ducks, goslings, geese and turkeys) can be a source of human Salmonella infections.

  • Salmonella germs are shed in their droppings and can easily contaminate their bodies and anything in areas where birds live and roam.

  • Chicks, ducklings, and other poultry can carry Salmonella germs and still appear healthy and clean.

  • Salmonella germs can cause a diarrheal illness in people that can be mild, severe, or even life threatening.

Equipment & Supplies

A healthy flock calls for the right nutrition and equipment. Browse our selection of poultry supplements, nesting pads and more.

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