Neighbor is buying chicken feed

[MamiPollo]

I have been letting my chickens free range in my backyard the past 3 or 4 weeks. It has been working fine for the most part.

I have an elderly neighbor on one side who has gotten interested in the chickens. He asks a lot of questions and I would see him standing in his backdoor watching them.

A couple of weeks ago he asked if he could throw some bread crumbs over the fence to them and I was envisioning some leftover toast or end pieces of stale bread. I said nothing with mold, no citrus, garlic, onions, etc. A few days later the chickens went running over to the fence when I let them out and started pecking the ground there.

Yesterday when I got home one of my hens was on his side of the fence. So glad I found her before his two dogs did! So I went and retrieved her and when I did I saw that he had a 50 lb back of poultry feed standing in the grass, just with the top folded down.

I am concerned about keeping this outside for numerous reasons. Is there any reason I should be concerned about him giving them actual feed? I am still feeding them start and grow, but they haven't been eating as much. They get stuff out of the yard and I bring them fruit, veggie and bread scraps. They are about 14 weeks old now.

I am so glad that my neighbor likes my chickens. I don't want to alienate him. Should I say anything to him aside from talking to him about not keeping the feed outside?

 

[Chemguy]

I'd think that as long as they also have access to your feed, they will be fine. Others may think differently. That sounds like a nice neighbor to have. Mine have offered to bring over fallen apples later this summer.

 

[AZBootsie]

You should let him know your chickens can hop the fence, so he uses care when he lets his dogs out. Sounds like he really likes them and would probably feel as bad as you would if his dogs hurt one.

 

[Cryssie_Bou]

maybe you could suggest to him that he might want to keep the feed inside as to not attract raccoons and skunks etc as you are sure he wouldnt want his dogs getting in a fight with one of them ... make it appear to be in his best interest really..

Crysssie

 

[Nicole01]

Tell him feeding the feed is fine, but he must keep the feed inside the house where it can not get wet. Once that feed gets wet from mildew or rain, mold will fester inside and could be devastating to your flock. He needs to keep it dry.

I think it's nice your neighbor takes interest in your birds. I think it's sweet he went out and bought the proper food for them. I'm sure he'll appreciate any extra fresh eggs from you.

 

[ladyride]

Quote:
x2 people will look after their own but also let him know that the feed should be inside & dry or get him a small container to put it in. He will love those eggs " he helped make " gotta love it when other people are trying to help us . Yes I understand good intentions but work with his for the benefit of you both.

 

[KFox]

I second what everyone else has posted. What a wonderful neighbor!

If it were my neighbor, I'd give him a metal trash can with a big red bow and a thank you note. I'd definitely mention the dogs to him though. My dogs are scared of my chickens but I'd still not leave them unattended together. He may not realize his dogs are even a threat.

 

[southerndesert]

Yup time to start education about care of chickens and some help on storing the food safely and before you know it there will be chickens next door, have you given him any eggs yet?

 

[CapricornFarm]

Quote:
I doubt they are laying at 14 weeks;-)

 

[southerndesert]

Quote:
I doubt they are laying at 14 weeks;-)

Hehehehe didn't see that..... Likely not eh?