My neighbor is feeding my chickens potatoes -_-

[CherMarie]

I love the suggestion above about taking her a bag of BOSS or meal worms so she can give them a "treat" but do it in a way that is better for your babies. It's very kind of you to be mindful of her motivation. Loneliness is a big thing for older people and i'm sure your chickens make her day sometimes. If you can drop off a bag of seed, tell her how the chickens seem to love coming to "visit" with her, and mention how much they love these particular treats, you may make a friend for life. Good luck!!

 

[PattyNH]

That's what I said!!! I made a big deal about the possum bringing disease into the yard and I was going to capture it and put it down because I don't want it around. The landlord told me to stay away from her too lol! She told us that she saw a man in a ski mask watching her. Out of all people her through the fence. And a bunch of other crazy stories.

She may, unfortunately, have some mental health issues or issues related to Alzheimer's/dementia. This could explain some of the concerns she may share or behavior you are concerned about. Please try to understand that there are many aspects of her life and health that you are not aware of. It's counter productive to dismiss behavior as "crazy", which is a label that is easily attached to behavior we don't understand or is different to what we think as normal. Please don't lose empathy for her - she is another human being who is clearly having a difficult time. Loneliness in and of itself can be terribly painful for people. Add on another issue, such as dementia, and it may be unbearable... You may, unknowingly or not, be the only "friend" your neighbor has.

I agree with the following the ideas offered above: telling her the chickens have been unwell and asking for her support; providing a list if treats that are good for your hens; and, telling her that you see how much she enjoys your chickens and suggest she try raising a few of her own, with your guidance on care. If those don't work, keeping your flock away from where she can treat them would be required.

Think of it as if you have a neighbor whose dog is scaring your chickens. You can talk to them to try to find a solution, or you change how you manage your flock to ensure their safety.

Thank you for sharing, and best of luck! I look forward to seeing the outcome

 

[Compost King]

If I had an issue with a neighbor like that I would buy them a bag of mealworms (or a cheaper treat) and let them know that chickens prefer that or it fits better with their diet. But honestly I would just let her feed the chickens and then I would clean up what they do not eat. Unless chickens actually do get sick from it. From my experience the chickens do a great job of eating what they need and not eating what they do not need. Although they can have issues with eating too many scratch grains if you give out too many. However if you are someone who is picky about their diets give the lady something you want her to feed the birds.

 

[Njroosters]

Free food.! Thats good. but neighbor should have asked...

 

[Blooie]

Potato skins get tossed in my kitchen scrap can and taken out to my chickens all the time. So do potatoes and any other stuff we have. Unless they’re eating a ton of them, they should be just fine.

You’re right to be concerned, however, about her good intentions. I’m not sure there is a perfect answer, either. You are there, I’m not, so you’re a far better judge of her state of mind and faculties than I am. Use your own common sense and good judgement, maybe with less emphasis on “correct” goodies for your chickens and more on “So many other animals are coming for the scraps you throw. I’m getting a little worried that they might end up eating my chickens, too. How about I give you a bag of scratch...they love it and it might mean that other animals won’t come around anymore so our girls won’t get hurt.”

 

[Col1948]

Does she like rats? Tell her you've seen a few coming in and eating the scraps, then say, "Course you know, once a few come others will soon catch on."

 

[Rose Quartz]

One thing to be careful of with scraps is mold. Sounds like it might be cooked food leftovers? You should at the very least insist she have a dish to put it in that needs to be cleaned up each night. Mold from old mushy food will kill your birds if they eat it. And having it cleaned up will stop the predators coming, at least for the scraps.