Balancing Corporate & Homesteading Lifestyles
Cluck Kent: The Boot That Brought Trouble
It was a quiet morning in the coopyard. The chicks were practicing their ninja jumps, the hens were gossiping near the compost pile, and Cluck Kent—our ever-watchful feathered reporter—was pecking for the truth as usual.
That’s when the boot appeared.
Not just any boot.
A visitor's boot.
Unwashed. Unrinsed. And full of who-knows-what from who-knows-where.
Cluck Kent tilted his comb, gave it a side-eye, and watched as the well-meaning guest stepped into the run with a cheerful, “Hello, chickens!”
The hens froze.
The roo flared.
A cold breeze of potential pathogen panic blew through the yard.
🚨 What Cluck Found:
Turns out, the visitor had just been at a local feed store—where they admired some very sniffly-looking pullets.
They meant no harm, of course. But they brought the risk of cross-contamination right into the flock.
🧼 Biosecurity Takeaway:
Cluck Kent says:
"Love your friends. Love your flock more."
🟡 Set up a boot brush or foot bath outside the run
🟡 Keep a pair of coop-only shoes or boots
🟡 Ask visitors to stay outside the fence unless properly prepped
🟡 Don’t bring home birds, bedding, or equipment without quarantine or sanitizing
Back in the yard, Cluck Kent clucked softly and strutted toward the visitor, flapping once in warning.
Message received.
The boot backed out slowly. Peace (and hygiene) was restored.
