It's common for chickens, ducks, and other poultry to carry Salmonella bacteria, which is a type of germ that naturally lives in the intestines of poultry and many other animals, and is shed in their droppings or feces. Even organically fed poultry can carry Salmonella organisms. While it usually doesn't make the birds sick, Salmonella bacteria can cause serious illness when it is passed to people.