guinea pigs and chickens?

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Deleted member 144252

Hi,
I've just recently gotten 4 chickens and I'm wondering if it's safe for my piggy to be where chickens have been. I've put the chickens on the grass and I just wanted to make sure that if I happen to put my piggy on the grass where the chickens have been a previous week or so, would it be safe? I don't want him to get sick from the chickens.
 
Maybe you know, @Roselina. You said in a previous thread you had chickens once. Is it safe for a guinea pig to come in contact with something that was once used for chickens? Or will there be a contamination that would make a guinea pig sick?
 
I'm not sure if they pose a threat but I personally wouldn't put the piggies where the chickens have been as chickens poo a lot and I expect being exposed to chicken poo, wouldn't be healthy for them. I'd have one area for the chickens and one area for the guinea pigs
 
My main concern was of my piggy catching some sort of bug/mite from the chickens as I'd obviously make sure to clean up/get rid of the chicken manure where ever I let him run around. I know chickens are quite filthy and readily catch bugs of all sorts. So was just wondering if he'd still be safe to be somewhere where there were chickens a week or so beforehand.
Just to be sure, I'll probably set aside an area for the piggy to run around in and the rest is for the chickens.
Thanks for both of your help 😊
 
Zorro1 said:
Maybe you know, @Roselina. You said in a previous thread you had chickens once. Is it safe for a guinea pig to come in contact with something that was once used for chickens? Or will there be a contamination that would make a guinea pig sick?
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Hello Zorro1 I wouldn’t use anything that had been used for chickens - there is a possible risk of parasites/ contamination. I always thoroughly deep cleaned my chicken run but I only used it for the chickies.
 
Sorry if I'm being too precious but.... Would it be fine to clean the chicken coop and then pat the guinea pig, or would that risk a transport of parasite? Again, sorry if I'm being overly cautious.
 
I still wouldn’t use it Zorro1 even after a deep clean ….. guinea pigs could easily pick up something -
Best to be safe 🥰
 
Thanks, I just wanted to be sure of what I can and can't do to ensure he stays safe and healthy. 😊
 
Zorro1 said:
Sorry if I'm being too precious but.... Would it be fine to clean the chicken coop and then pat the guinea pig, or would that risk a transport of parasite? Again, sorry if I'm being overly cautious.
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I wouldn't use it either.
Things like wooden enclosures (particularly large ones for animals like chickens) are very hard to get 100% clean - too may nooks and crannies.
Plus as chickens tend to scratch and disturb the ground as part of their natural behaviour this makes it impossible to be sure all types of pests and potential parasites are gone from the area, even if it looks clean.
Parasites, pests and diseases that are not an issue for chickens could cause problems for guinea pigs, so honestly to be 100% safe I would stick with your original plan and keep one area for piggies, and a totally separate area for the chooks.
 
Roselina said:
Have you got one piggy ?
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Yes, I've only got one. And he's exhibiting no lonely behavior, and I make sure to interact with him everyday. I also have him in a very active part of the house.
 
Swissgreys said:
Things like wooden enclosures (particularly large ones for animals like chickens) are very hard to get 100% clean - too may nooks and crannies.
Plus as chickens tend to scratch and disturb the ground as part of their natural behaviour this makes it impossible to be sure all types of pests and potential parasites are gone from the area, even if it looks clean.
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Oh no! 😟
I'm using the 1 x 2 meter wooden guinea pig pen to house the chickens until they can move into the large 5.4 x 2.5 meter pen that is still being built. I have no problem taking the time and effort to wipe down every nook and cranny to make 110% sure the pen is clean and parasite free, but what cleaning solution would I use?
 
Mmmm it’s a bit tricky as wood is absorbent - there are specialist cleaning products - not sure if you have it in Australia Johnson Clean n Safe Disinfectant is a good one.

I would seriously think about getting him a friend - piggies don’t show stress or loneliness but it does have an effect on their health. It’s because they are prey animals they keep everything hidden.I’m sure there are rescues near you that could help select a compatible friend. Having an extra piggy is not much more in terms of food/ bedding etc
Have a careful think Zorro1
Behaviour, Bonding & Bereavement Guides
 
F10, if you can get it where you are, is the best. It’s vet grade and even kills ringworm.
i would personally not allow them to share any area though. It would just be easier to keep completely separate
 
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