Kids who throw rocks at ducks (or near ducks)

[Schultz]

Quote:
Good answer! I know I'd go it one better if they didn't quit and I'd call the cops or the DNR. It ain't pretty trying to argue with the DNR...heard of people who have tried, and they've gotten deeper into the soup every time.

nice and non-confrontational isn't the way I'd handle it.

 

[desertdarlene]

Thanks everyone! I think I'm going to try to stick with coming at my usual times of day, mostly early in the morning. It's just been too foggy in the morning to take photos. I see more ducks and other birds at that time and most kids are getting ready for school, especially at this time of year. Even on weekends, most families don't start arriving until about mid-morning. Luckily, most of the ducks are not around in the public area in the afternoon when kids are around, even less so since there has been construction happening at the lake. I think many ducks moved themselves to another area.

Not all kids are like those boys, but enough are that the ducks are wary of all of them. It's kinda sad seeing a little girl who loves ducks trying to get them to come close enough for her to feed them and them being afraid of her.

I have a feeling that those boys have been a hassle before this may not have been the first time someone has said something to them.

 

[duckluck]

Quote:

 

[desertdarlene]

The mom was actually right there and defended them! She said that they weren't throwing rocks at the ducks, too! That's the problem. I have no issues telling kids to stop, but I don't want to get in a knock-down drag out fight with an irresponsible parent. I end up being the one that gets into trouble because I "started it" by telling them to stop.

 

[onthespot]

Sometimes it takes a village to make an adult quit acting like a child. Do your part to teach her what she needs to do... Stand up to ignorance every chance you get.

 

[desertdarlene]

Thanks! I talked to other people who have the same problem, so I know I'm not alone. I like to be careful because I have a bad temper that can bite back at me if I don't watch my anger. So, I want to be civil and polite so that I don't let my anger get out of control and do anything that I would get into serious trouble for.

A lot of people have the "mind your own business" attitude when it comes to their kids, I've noticed even when it's hurting a defenseless animal.

 

[Caprice_Acres]

I once caught my neighbor kid chasing my goats, ducks, and chickens with a stick, whalloping anything he could get close to. He would trap them in the stall of my barn, then whallop them as they went past in fear... A couple of those goats are big, and could easily have hurt him, too. I was LIVID.

After he got an earful from me, I took him to his father, who was not pleased. He was bawling the entire time, but I did NOT relent. It is UNACCEPTABLE behavior. The kid, who I previously used to let come do chores with me if he wanted, was never ever allowed near my pastures or close to any of my ducks/chickens that free ranged. I kept him on his toes and I'd catch him even if he was innocently walking past one... Told him to stay way from my birds every time. I just didn't trust him. I also didn't let him pick up any sticks and whack the ground/trees with it, or throw rocks even innocently. I knew it would be just one step closer to trying to throw rocks at one of the many living creatures we have on the farm.

 

[sourland]

Plain and simple, they need their backsidees kicked. O.K. I understand in this politically correct world that is unacceptable. Abusive kids frequently come from abusive environments and carry on the abusive practices. Sad but true.

 

[tomingreeneco]

Yell "Throw one more rock and it will be the last thing you do in this lifetime!" That usually works.

 

[V Comb]

Push them in the pond/river