How to handle chickens

[derby]

A neighbor kid came over to play. They have several animals including a large flock of chickens. She proceeded to handle our chickens by pulling them by the tail. She says this is the way "professionals" do it. Is this an ok way to handle a chicken?

Derby

 

[seismic wonder2]

My various replies would be,
"Professionals put their heads in lions' mouths...would you?"

"Would you pull a lion's tail if you saw a professional do it?"

"I've seen professionals catch six foot King Cobras too but that don't mean I want to try it. "

"Just because the "pros" pull chicken's tails dosen't mean the birds like it at all."Then, grab the kid by the ear and pull him around the yard a few times...see how HE likes it!

"Professional means they get paid to handle chix. It does NOT mean they get paid to handle chix the way they like to be handled..."

I'd also tell the kid you don't want YOUR chickens getting pulled around by the tail no matter WHO does it. If he can't follow your rules with your animals he is not welcome to pet them at all.


***everywhere there's a "he" substitute a "she"
I didn't read very closely

 

[Robin L]

I totally agree with seismic wonder2

 

[chiknwhisperer]

I would never allow that. The kid would have to look at the chickens from ten feet away after that. I barley let me own kids touch the chickens. I think I am more over protective of my chicks then the kids lol. But hey, your always over protective with your first kid. So I figure its okay to be that way with my first flock

 

[LynneP]

Our little flock is closed to anyone but my husband and me. We have several children who visit and the elder-gelding and the barn cats (some of them) like children and I'm only too happy to let them experience a sliver of farm life. But my chickens? No. They're babies still at 8 weeks and I'm not having them terrorized by anyone but ME!

Translation- they're very sweet and I want them kept that way.

 

[purr]

ok so when you go to college and get a degree in chickenology then you can do that to your chickens!

STEP AWAY FROM THE CHICKEN

 

[warcard]

NO, ask her if she would like to be pulled around by her hair?
I'd ask her to go home or tell her "If you want to handle YOUR chickens that way that is fine, but you are NOT allowed to handle MY chickens that way!" (in a nice tone, of course

)