How much can chicks take?

[write2caroline]

I agree with the folks who say this is a perfect opportunity to teach that young man how to be calm and treat other living things with respect.

I have worked with a lot of kids through scouting and once I inherited a den of ADHD, ADD boys no one else wanted to lead and then my own kid.

I experience taught me that even the rowdiest of boys could be calm with some finess.

I tried to let them run around before moving to something they needed to be careful with - to get out the energy.

We had rules and consequences - not anything major but they came up with the rules and actually thier consequences were more severe then we actually used but I would suggest you sit with your son and make a poster about rules around your birds. And talk about what happens if he breaks his own rules. - Shift it to his responsibility and let him take a little ownership and stewardship. 7 year boys are not babies and actually quite able to start to grasp the rule consequence - good behavior - reward system. In cubbies they can earn the right to use a pocket knife at 7 - not that I would recommend that here!

The totem chip for knife use is a good example - they had to carry it like a license - They had 4 chances to not use the knife in a responsible way and any adult seeing misuse would tear off a corner of the totem chip - once all 4 corners gone - so were the privilages that allowed them to use the pocket knife and they had to start over and relearn the rules and demonstrate they were competent before earning it again.

Don't buy into the "only child" "so little" routine. I know this is your son but he is capable in learning to be respectful of the birds and to be a good shepherd to them. Help him be a good shepherd and have him take part in how he learns to keep them.
just a humble opinion from an old scout bear!
Caroline Jax FL

 

[eggsited chickens]

Thanks for all your replies.

I am working with him in trying to be gentle. I constantly remind him how to be careful, and he is very quick to let me know he doesn't want to hurt them, but he wants to hold them so bad.

I think he is doing much better over the past few days too. He will sit in the pen with weeds to give them as treats. he loves them coming around him.

To let you know too, I'm not using the 'only child' thing as a way to get away with what he does. I just don't know how a 7 yr old acts with some things. Sometimes I feel like I"m overly strict and need to 'relax' a bit. Especially when I see other boys his age acting the same way or worse. But there are some things I can't handle too...

I have a lot on my plate this week...training both a child and a dog to be 'gentle' to my babies.

Hope you all have a great week and thanks for the replies

Brenda

 

[IggiMom]

Yes, but be a little gentle with this Mom. After all, she did ask for advice.

My chickens pretty much don't like to be held.

It is true that at seven he can learn how to treat them. Find a clean place where he can sit and perhaps toss bread and and a few seeds and so forth.

You could even perhaps use a reward system. (I do clicker training with my dogs, same principle, if anyone wants to know about this I'll be happy to share.)

Ok, reward, shaping behavior. He sits--don't expect too long, maybe 10 minutes, and if a chicken will come up to, say, three feet away from him, then HE gets something, a story, I don't know what he likes. He sounds very active, probably nothing with sugar in it is a good idea.

Then, see, the next day, see if he can get the space to shorten, OR, maybe more than one chicken goes up to him.

Then he gets his reward.

If one would actually sit on his lap for a few seconds, then he gets what we in dog training call a jackpot--a big high value reward.

I'll bet it won't be any time before his 'chicken time' is a reward in itself. And you will be proud of him, so he will be proud of himself.

Um--I am not trying to say your kid is a dog. But many of the training principles are similar. Heck you can even clicker train a husband, but you can't let him know you are doing it!

Good luck.

Catherine

 

[amyc]

I feel your pain - I have a 7 year old who has ADHD. It has been a struggle to get him to play nicely with the chicks and to control his impulses - but it can be done!

I really like the suggestion for letting your DS run around and get all his energy out before playing with the chicks.

Hang in there - it can be tough, but it can be done.

 

[Silkiefan]

... saying this in a totally non-judgemental way ok?
THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR FROM YOUR SON. STOP HIM IMMEDIATELY.

 

[Bluebyrd]

I have a 14, 8, 5 and 4 year olds. I do not allow my 4 and 5 year olds to handle the chickens without direct supervision by me. Ever, I think the chicks are too fragile.

Here are my rules.

No chasing, screaming or yelling
Must be sitting down before picking up a chick and chick goes in the lap
Must be gentle
Cannot wave or bounce chicken around
Must let the chicken get down if it wants
No kicking


If any rule is broken - and they all have been

First, reminder of rule
Second, can't pick up any chicks
Third, eviction of coop!

EXCEPT for things like kicking, then its immediatly out of the coop with no reminders and no more chicks for the rest of the day, my 4 year old just tested this one. She had to sit outside the coop while the rest of us played with the chicks, there was plenty of whining (interpret screaming), but its for the best and she has been very good with the chicks lately - we'll see how long it lasts!


The rules must be enforced, its hard at first but it gets better, well worse at first as the rules are tested, but in the end you and your son and the chicks will be happier!

So far we've been pretty successful, there are setbacks, but thats part of learning. My kids are learning to be calm, gentle, loving and in control. and the reward is a sweet chick cuddled up on the lap or crook of the arm and the kid won't leave the coop for an hour because he doesn't want to disturb the "baby". now that obviously is NOT my 4 year old, but you get the idea.

I know for a fact that some children just naturally listen and are calm and laid back while others just are not. Half mine are easygoing, the other two take strict rules that are tested, uhmmmm daily.

And just to let you know my 8 year old I trust with the chicks, however many of his friends I do not and I would never leave them alone with them. This is all a part of growing up, learning to love and respect animals.


I hope some of this helps and thank you for posting your concerns!

 

[socks]

You may appreciate this turn of circumstances but I am looking forward to having two kids 5 and 6 year old I think, come and teach me patience with my chicks.

These kids have four chickens that they got when they were grown laying hens but managed to tame them to the point that one of the hens laid an egg in one of the kids lap.

They were new to chickens last year when they got them and the secret to their success their mother tells me is actually that they spent 2 to 3 hours a day gently befriending, "training" (as the boy puts it) them.

I have been frustrated because my 4 week old chicks that seemed to be o.k. with being picked up at the beginning are now terrified of me and one has started pecking.

Of course I have never spent 2-3 hours a day with them and have been wondering if I can hire these miniature pro chicken tamers to do the job.

Anyway, I don't have any advice to give, I think you have had plenty and some of it useful to me (who knew running around with your arms open would scare them? just kidding

) Thanks 77horses.

It sounds like it is a great opportunity for you and your boy to experience some valuable lessons. I predict success