Chasing Chickens

[duckma]

Hi there all,
A philosophical parenting question. We (household of 5 adults raising 3 kids, some blood, some not) have a difference of opinion about whether to let children chase and catch (our collectively owned) chickens. Those in favor say their kids derive a lot of pleasure from doing it. Those against (me! and some others) say: When calm, the chickens will come to you, "roost" on you, let you pet them, and much joy can be derived from that. In addition, there are valuable lessons for the kids about impulse control, valuing and honoring the life and choice / experience of a living creature, responsibility etc. Any i just don't want my chickens terrorized and traumatized! Any thoughts? Is it too much to ask of a 5 y/o, 8 y/o, 10 y/o, to learn to approach the chickens with calm and measured reserve and love?

 

[reluctant farmer]

I say "don't chase!". Seems very traumatic and stressful.

 

[Ruthster55]

It's not at all too much to teach children how to calmly and respectfully approach and gain the trust of animals including chickens. In fact, it is the very minimum to teach them.

Don't allow those kids to harass the chickens.

PS. I certainly had those lessons when I was a kid, regarding the neighbors' cats and dogs.

 

[duckma]

Thank you!! My feelings EXACTLY!! I need a little backing, to help me make my point to the other parents. Appreciate it!

 

[duckma]

Here's a good article about this. Seems 2nd nature to me. But apparently some don't have the same sensibility & need it explained.
https://independencehomestead.com/2...t-your-child-chase-chickens-or-any-livestock/

 

[Ruthster55]

Here's a good article about this. Seems 2nd nature to me. But apparently some don't have the same sensibility & need it explained.
https://independencehomestead.com/2...t-your-child-chase-chickens-or-any-livestock/

Children, dogs, and cats all need to be taught to be respectful and patient with chickens. Chickens like it when people talk to them as if they were little kids. As prey animals, you can indulge them a little bit by being kind and talking with them.

The chickens have the instincts of prey animals while humans, dogs, and cats are all predators.

I find myself having to be rather strict with dogs and cats (few human children visit this property) to control their predatory instincts while I can be a little bit indulgent with the chickens.