7 Days of Diarrhea: Another Reason Not to Give Easter Chicks

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State agriculture officials have offered another reason — besides animal cruelty — that make chicks a bad Easter gift: They often carry the Salmonella, a bacteria commonly found in chicken manure that can cause illness in people.

Even birds that appear healthy can carry the bacteria, Dr. James Averill, the state veterinarian, said in a news release, Salmonella can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever and/or abdominal cramps lasting four to seven days or more.

Michigan residents who are buying chicks for egg production need to take precautions, said Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

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“Though keeping chickens can be fun and educational, poultry owners should be aware that chickens and other birds can carry germs and other viruses that can impact human health,” she said.

Animal-welfare advocates have long warned that chicks, rabbits and ducks make poor Easter gifts because they often end up in shelters once the novelty wears off. The House Rabbit Society says giving such gifts teaches animal cruelty.

“Some animals given as gifts are released into the wild when people tire of them. However, these animals are domestic species,” the HSUS said. “They’re unable to fend for themselves and usually die of starvation or exposure to the elements, or are preyed upon by other animals.”

Behind cats and dogs, bunnies are the third-most-surrendered pet in the United States.

And if you think dumping a duck into a public pond is a good idea, the critter “will likely not survive until its first birthday,” the organization Live Ducks said.

Some alternative ideas:

• Give children’s books about rabbits, chickens and ducks.
• Give chocolate critters and eggs.
• Give a stuffed Easter animal.
• Do a crafts project that involves bunnies, chickens and ducks.

If you’re determined to give a chick or rabbit, animal welfare advocates recommend adopting from local shelters, where children can learn about rabbit, chicken and duck rescue efforts, as well as about other animals that need homes.

People should always assume baby chicks carry Salmonella and should follow these recommendations to protect themselves and others:

• Children younger than five-years-of-age, older adults or people with weak immune systems should not handle or touch chicks, ducklings or other poultry because they are more likely to become severely ill.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching the birds or anything in their environment. Adults should supervise hand-washing for young children.
• Use hand sanitizer until you can wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Always keep poultry away from areas where food or drink is prepared, served or stored, such as kitchens or outdoor patios.
• Do not kiss the chicks.
• Do not touch your mouth, smoke, eat or drink after handling poultry without first thoroughly washing your hands.

Frequently clean all equipment such as cages, feed, water containers and other materials associated with raising or caring for poultry.

More information is available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.