Balancing Corporate & Homesteading Lifestyles
The Dirty Boot Disaster by Cluck Kent
By Cluck Kent, Flock Safety Reporter
Listen up, fellow cluckers—today, I’m exposing a high-risk security breach that could bring disaster to the coop. It wasn’t an aerial attack by hawks. It wasn’t a rogue raccoon raid. Nope—it was something much sneakier.
It was… a poop-covered intruder.
One morning, I noticed something alarming—muddy, gunk-covered footprints trailing right through the coop. My human had just waltzed in straight from the backyard, tracking in who-knows-what.
I knew I had to investigate.
Was this a one-time offense? Or… had they been bringing in outside filth every day?! 😱
I tailed them on their next mission—off to the feed store, the compost pile, even other chicken coops (oh, the betrayal!). Then, I watched in horror as they walked right back inside our run without a second thought.
Germs. Bacteria. Viruses. Right into our home.
What’s the Big Deal?
You might think, “It’s just a little dirt, Cluck Kent! Don’t be dramatic.”
Oh really? Let me spell it out for you. That “dirt” could be carrying:
❌ Avian flu – Deadly. Spreads like wildfire. No cure.
❌ Marek’s disease – A silent, devastating virus.
❌ Coccidiosis – Makes young chicks weak and sick.
❌ Random gross bacteria – Because who wants mystery germs in their food?!
That’s right. Your shoes could be a disease superhighway.
Introducing: The Magic Boot Zone (AKA Coop-Only Shoes)
After my investigation, I demanded action. And my human finally got the memo:
🚫 No more tracking in outside gunk! 🚫
Here’s the new rule:
🐔 COOP SHOES ONLY! 🐔
That means:
✔ One pair of shoes dedicated to the coop—they never leave.
✔ No stepping inside the run in dirty, contaminated boots.
✔ No “quick trips” in outside shoes (nice try, human).
What If You “Forget” the Rule? (I’m Watching You 👀)
Fine. Let’s say you accidentally step into the coop in your regular shoes. What now?
✅ Foot Bath Station: A shallow container with a disinfecting solution to clean off germs before entering.
✅ Disposable Shoe Covers: If you must enter in outside shoes, cover them first!
✅ Disinfectant Spray: At least clean your shoes before stepping in—basic hygiene, people!
Final Thoughts from Cluck Kent
I may be a fearless flock defender, but even I can’t fight off invisible invaders like bacteria and viruses. That’s your job, humans.
So, do the right thing. Wear coop-only shoes. Set up a foot bath. Keep the flock safe.
And if I catch you stepping in here with dirty boots again? Let’s just say… there will be squawking. 🦸♂️🐔
