How do visitors react to your poultry?

[chickenannie]

I have turkeys that free-range on my farm, around the barns and house, and as I was writing about this on a different thread, I was thinking about the strange reactions of people who visit my house in their reactions to my birds, especially my turkeys. I have deduced that their reactions can be categorized in just a couple of ways.

Most kids, and about 50% of visitors to my farm, will point and say: "a turkey!" with a kind of awe.

The other 25% of visitors will say nonchalantly, "oh, yeah, my (mom, grandma, cousin, sister-in-law) had turkeys and immediately start telling me stories about it. (this is my favorite reaction, by the way).

A few people will look hungry and tell me how they like to go turkey-hunting.

But about 25% of people have serious fright about the turkeys even though they just drive up my driveway for the first time. They either:

a) seem frightened by a past bad turkey experience, and immediately cower or stay locked in their car

b) grab their children and run to my front door as fast as they can, telling everyone to "stay away or they will be attacked", or

c) immediately act aggressive toward the turkey (who is completely uninterested in them, or is just displaying at them or looking their way). sorry, but this is almost always the men or boys who do this!

Because I live on a farm, is it such a surprise to anyone to see a chicken or turkey walking around? I mean, REALLY!!

What reactions do the rest of you get?

 

[Feathered Wings]

Well i have a menagerie of all sorts Ducks, Pigeons, Doves, Pheasants, Turkey, Peafowl, Old english bantams.

People are in awe at everything and i mostly get Ooohhhh look at the little ducks and oh my look at the cute little chickens.
Then it's those doves are so beautiful and they ask what kind and how do i get all the colors.
The turkeys get a WOW and do those bite?
The pheasants and peafowl are the ones that get the OMG look at all the beautiful colors.
Then when they all start crowing and peeping and quacking i get the GOSH they sure are loud.


I have on occasion got the "why" do i have all of these things and what do i do with them.

 

[chickenannie]

" I have on occasion got the "why" do i have all of these things and what do i do with them"

I know that's what people are thinking, but they don't say it out loud~!

 

[Capone]

every one loves the eggs but wont hold a bird. oh there dirty. but wow thanks for the eggs.

 

[chickenannie]

Once this lady stopped by with two Malaysian girls. They were fascinated by the turkey and wanted to poke and prod at it's snood and fat belly and look under its wings. It was very different from what Americans do, who are usually more like, "can I pet it?" Through their interpreter, they said they'd never seen such a huge bird before.

 

[Maryallison]

I own a rabbitry & to get to the rabbit barn I walk people right past my chick area. Most people are just thrilled with them. I have all small frizzles, silkies & cochins.

 

[Emzyyy]

Well I let my chickens out and a couple of my friends off the cross country team came over and Amber and Claire were immediatly scared and refused to get out of the car and they were silkies running loose. The just like following people they want food and Amber made a mad dash to the house with Felix on her heels who was just interested in food so I showed Claire no big deal and picked up the largest EE rooster and flipped him up to face the car window so she could see and he barfed all over her window! LOL she doesn't care much for them aha!

 

[Camelot Farms]

I have chickens....lots of chickens in many sizes, shapes and colors.
Most people are amazed that there are so many kinds!


Our local Head Start Pre-School programs come each spring to visit Ms. Kim's farm. The parents who chaperone love it and the kids have a great time.

I think if you can give them good experiences when they are young then they wont be those parents in a,b and c

 

[b.hromada]

When I tell people I've got chickens, they almost always seem to think its pretty cool. But like you say, some just can't understand, or ask me if we eat them? Then, of course, I say, no, they are pets. As more and more people are getting into having poultry, I think their mind-set will change as well.

 

[Vince]

My experience has been "oh cool you have chickens" then the see Sam my turkey and it's "oh my god you have turkeys". Then I tell them he is the chicken guardian. They always come running up after running away from a vehicle pulling up. These birds are always looking for a treat. Scarff hounds I tell ya! I love it.