Are there any childminders out there who keep chickens?!

[lenaschildminding]

As if I don't have enough to do with dogs, rabbit, fish and the kids...

Wanting to have Bantams, they make great pets, they are quite tame, they'd be in a run when I'm working anyway but I wondered what peoples views are regarding the health issues around Chickens?

I've looked into it all, strict handwashing, keeping them clean, not letting under 5's near them, (I do have a large garden and they would be at the bottom in their run) Oh, that sounds good! I mean the Chickens - not the under 5's!!!

Also any immune suppressed people, diabetics, pregnant or elderly people would not be allowed near them.

The main risk is salmonella, which is carried in their poo! It can then transfer on to their bodies, so in picking them up, stroking them etc, it transfers to your hands. Obviously, then, you'd have to put your hands in your mouth before washing them to contract it.

I do have a detailed pet policy which lists all the precautions I take with all my animals and obviously I will add the chickens to it.

Anyone keep them or have any views?

Would you let your kids near chickens?

not a childminder.... but where i work as a nanny we have chickens...

they are very free range throughout the whole garden (have a chicken run too but we let them whereever they like)

the children love them and i often catch my little 20 month old charge sitting on the grass next to a chicken just stroking it gently!

the eggs are yummy too. I also regualrly pick them uip and cuddle them... not sure if i should but i do!

the children love feeding them... especially veg and pasta that they LOVE

We dont keep the children away from them, never have and i doubt we ever will!

Dd2 sometimes goes to a childminder's near my mum's which is on a farm. The place is splendidly chaotic, with animals roaming free and STUFF everywhere, as you tend to get on farms. The children get very, very dirty. Doesn't bother me in the slightest, I think it's great. Clearly not to everyone's taste, but choosing childcare is horses for courses anyway.

I like chickens, and wouldn't mind my children going near them. They do stink though!

Yes - you will need to prove to OFSTED (if they ask) that you have registered with DEFRA and have had the chickens tested for salmonella (which involves putting their poo in a plastic bad and taking it to a vet - who does chickens- to be tested)

I used to mind and i would send my ds who is 4 to one that has chicks as we dont have pets but i would want to reassured that hygiene is in place and used at all times.