I am a newbie to country living - moved to my little farmette 6 years ago from a Major Big City so I could have my horses at home.
I have discovered that having animals on the property makes people think of you as some kind of free petting zoo.
I have come out to find a neighbor feeding my horses one of those mini bales of alfalfa her son had bought for his hamster that died. Who knows how long that little bale sat around before she decided to "treat" the horses.
I kindly told her I need to know exactly what the horses have eaten in case one gets sick.
She is now my horses' BFF, feeds them (approved by me) daily treats of apples & carrots and keeps her eye on the place while I'm at work.
She does the same for my chickens who now recognize her and run to meet her when she brings them treats.
However, I've also come out to find a total stranger and her toddler son feeding the horses not only carrots but nearly feeding the plastic bag they came in!
Not to mention the possibility of tiny fingers ending up in a horse's mouth.
My solution for another neighbor who wanted to let her grandkids feed the horses is uncooked spaghetti.
For some reason the horses love it and little hands can safely hold the long strands to be munched.
I totally understand why you would be anxious about having a stranger on your property after being robbed.
But your neighbor added fuel to that fire by not directing the gentleman to knock on your door and ask if you minded him being there.
Maybe she thought her presence would deter anyone with bad intent?
IIWM: I'd go knock on his door to introduce myself to the guy and tell him that although you are pleased he is interested in your hens, you are nervous about uninvited "guests" since your experience with your tenant's "friends".
He should understand that.
And who knows, you may end up with a Chicken Friend
I have discovered that having animals on the property makes people think of you as some kind of free petting zoo.
I have come out to find a neighbor feeding my horses one of those mini bales of alfalfa her son had bought for his hamster that died. Who knows how long that little bale sat around before she decided to "treat" the horses.
I kindly told her I need to know exactly what the horses have eaten in case one gets sick.
She is now my horses' BFF, feeds them (approved by me) daily treats of apples & carrots and keeps her eye on the place while I'm at work.
She does the same for my chickens who now recognize her and run to meet her when she brings them treats.
However, I've also come out to find a total stranger and her toddler son feeding the horses not only carrots but nearly feeding the plastic bag they came in!
Not to mention the possibility of tiny fingers ending up in a horse's mouth.
My solution for another neighbor who wanted to let her grandkids feed the horses is uncooked spaghetti.
For some reason the horses love it and little hands can safely hold the long strands to be munched.
I totally understand why you would be anxious about having a stranger on your property after being robbed.
But your neighbor added fuel to that fire by not directing the gentleman to knock on your door and ask if you minded him being there.
Maybe she thought her presence would deter anyone with bad intent?
IIWM: I'd go knock on his door to introduce myself to the guy and tell him that although you are pleased he is interested in your hens, you are nervous about uninvited "guests" since your experience with your tenant's "friends".
He should understand that.
And who knows, you may end up with a Chicken Friend
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