It is generally safe to be around chickens while pregnant, provided specific precautions are followed to manage the risks associated with poultry. Chickens are a common part of many households, but pregnancy introduces a heightened vulnerability to certain infections. The main concern is the transmission of zoonotic pathogens—diseases transferable from animals to humans—along with physical hazards related to flock maintenance. By adopting rigorous hygiene practices and delegating certain tasks, you can minimize exposure and continue to interact with your flock safely.
Understanding Zoonotic Risks
The primary concern when a pregnant person interacts with chickens is the risk of contracting a bacterial infection, especially salmonellosis. Salmonella bacteria are naturally present in the intestinal tracts of poultry, and they can be shed in droppings, contaminating feathers, eggshells, and the entire coop environment. Because pregnancy slightly alters the immune system, the body may be less capable of fighting off these infections, potentially leading to more severe illness.
Salmonellosis can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, which can lead to significant dehydration. Dehydration is a serious concern during pregnancy because it can affect blood flow to the fetus. A high fever associated with the infection has been linked to adverse outcomes, including preterm delivery or miscarriage. In rare, severe cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream (bacteremia), risking transmission to the fetus and potentially leading to complications like sepsis or meningitis in the newborn.
Another pathogen of concern is Campylobacter, which is frequently carried by chickens and is a leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide. Campylobacter is transmitted through the fecal-oral route and can cause symptoms similar to salmonellosis. The resulting dehydration and fever from a Campylobacter infection pose an indirect risk to the pregnancy, underscoring the need for careful sanitation when handling birds or any contaminated materials.
Critical Hygiene Measures for Safe Contact
Mitigating the risk of zoonotic infection relies heavily on implementing meticulous hygiene protocols. The most effective preventative measure is thorough handwashing immediately following any contact with the chickens, their eggs, their feed, or any part of their environment. Hands should be scrubbed with soap and warm, running water for at least 20 seconds, paying attention to fingernails and wrists. If soap and water are unavailable, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be used as a temporary measure until a proper wash can be performed.
It is important to establish a strict boundary between the chicken environment and the living space to prevent the transfer of pathogens. This involves wearing designated “chicken clothes” and footwear, such as boots, that are worn only in the coop area and are removed before entering the home. Equipment used for the flock, including feed scoops or cleaning tools, should be cleaned outdoors and never brought into the kitchen or any food preparation area. Furthermore, you must resist the urge to kiss or snuggle the birds, as this brings potential pathogens directly to the face and greatly increases the risk of infection.
When collecting eggs, which can have bacteria on the shell, they should be handled gently and cleaned appropriately, such as with a dry brush or sandpaper. All eggs consumed must be cooked thoroughly until both the yolks and whites are firm, as runny yolks present a higher risk of ingesting Salmonella. Maintaining a clean, dry coop also reduces the overall concentration of pathogens in the environment, which lowers the risk of human exposure.
Physical Hazards and Tasks to Delegate
Beyond the risks of bacterial infection, physical demands and hazards associated with maintaining a flock should be minimized or delegated during pregnancy. Cleaning the coop should be avoided whenever possible because the process stirs up dust, airborne particles, and concentrated droppings, which contain pathogens and respiratory irritants. If delegation is not possible, wearing a high-quality dust mask and gloves is necessary to reduce the inhalation of particles and direct skin contact.
Other physically demanding activities, like moving or lifting heavy bags of feed, bedding, or supplies, should also be delegated to prevent strain or injury. The risk of tripping in the chicken run, especially as pregnancy progresses and balance shifts, is another physical hazard to consider. Additionally, pregnant individuals should avoid handling sick birds or newly introduced birds, as these animals may carry a higher load of pathogens, increasing the risk of transmission.
It is advisable to consult with an obstetrician or healthcare provider regarding specific concerns. While keeping chickens while pregnant is manageable, the necessary precautions reflect the increased health vulnerability during this period. The overall approach should prioritize delegating tasks that involve concentrated exposure to droppings, heavy lifting, or significant dust creation.