San Diego Chicken meetup and Chat thread

[desertdarlene]

Quote:
I won't take it the wrong way, it's good advice to contact the ranger and double-check, I would suggest the same thing. The thing is, I have already been in contact with people involved with the lake about things like this, but I am asking again just to make things clear. They might say something different this time and say "no". But, people do "rescue" ducks there frequently.

I was mostly upset because I have heard the "it's breeding season" for about a year now, but the problem has not changed or got better. And, the "you're in his territory" thing I've also heard, but he has moved his "territory" a lot since my friend stopped feeding him. I do not try to stir up trouble with them and, most of the time, they are pretty good with me. I don't go around grabbing them, only if they attack me, then I will push them back and they would back off and go away and that is that for a while. Today, they were following me around and even if I tried to avoid them, they would run towards me as soon as they saw me. And, when they attacked me, they wouldn't stop and kept doing it over and over (actually, it's just the brown one who does that). A couple of people saw me fighting with them and I hope I didn't get myself into trouble. Like I said before, this isn't something that happens a whole lot, but has been increasing since the feedings stopped.

The white one is actually very nice to me, but he will defend his friend if he thinks I'm being aggressive towards them.

What I am worried about is that there are a lot of people who go there who would not be as understanding and patient as I am and might actually hurt them. Recently, there was an incident where I think someone tried to kill or seriously harm them in a passive way. That's the main reason why I would like someone to give them a home. I think the humane society would euthanize them because they're so aggressive.

 

[tigerrrrrrrlilly]

Quote:
I'm trying to help you not upset you.
When I say humans are invading their territory, I mean in the goose's eyes. They don't understand where people are "allowed" or that picnic areas are somewhere they shouldn't be - to them it is their home. All the birds on the lake are their flock within their home. They have established an order with these birds, and therefore a relationship to those birds, whether they hang out with them or not. They may happen to be at the top of the pecking order if the others steer clear, but they will have their purpose in the flock as top of the pecking order is normally protector. (protecting from humans maybe, but nevertheless). The other geese may have stronger migrating instinct when food supply is gone and have decided to leave for the time being, these geese may have none since they are domestic. They want to breed, they want to eat, and they want to protect their home and others who live in their home.
I was merely warning you that other people may see you "defending yourself" and see it in a different light. You don't want to be misconstrued as abusing an animal. I did not say you were, nor did I say you did anything wrong. I'd hate to see you end up with false accusations, or actually jailed when you mean no harm. These things often do happen to innocent people.
They will relocate or remove birds that are dangerous or a menace either within the park or out if they must (though there is no room at project wildlife or anywhere else for waterfowl right now) and yes, if they are aggressive more than the typical chinese goose, they may be euthanized (chinese ganders are typically aggressive anyway)- if they feel it's necessary, obviously the ranger doesn't feel it is if he disregarded you.

according to Mission Trails Rules and Regulations...

Rules and Regulations

1. All plants and animals are protected. The hunting or collecting of any natural feature is prohibited. SDMC 63.02.4 and 63.02.10 Fishing is permitted under California Fish and Game Codes.

2.Dogs must be fastened to a suitable leash under eight feet long. SDMC 63.0102 (b) (2)
3. Possession of firearms or weapons of any type is prohibited. SDMC 63.08

4.Motorized vehicles permitted on paved roads and parking areas only. Motor vehicles are not permitted on dirt roads, trails or paths. CVC 38280

5.Open fires are prohibited. SDMC 63.02.11

6.Overnight camping prohibited without a permit. SDMC 63.02.12

7.You are responsible for knowing all the rules and regulations. Questions regarding park use can by answered by staff at the Visitor & Interpretive Center (619)-668-3275 or Lake Murray at 619-463-4015.

#1 is all animals are protected within Mission trails, without specification of domestic or wild. #7 makes you responsible if you violate it whether you knew you did or not.

Protect yourself and use good judgement in situations like this. It is what the authorities are there for, and sometimes unfortunately we aren't happy with the decision, but they are in charge. Police don't always have the best judgement, but we have to do as they say or face a judge, it is possible for that to happen here too even when you mean well.
I want to save you from a problem, and any problems for the geese that do what is natural for them to do. Also anyone else that could get brought into it trying to rescue them unknowingly.
I am in the process of getting certified for wildlife rehabilitation and one of the things I have to know is when and when not to capture a rescue animal per state/city laws, regulations of parks and recreation and city ordinances regarding private property or trespassing etc. Written authorization is the best way to protect yourself legally... because you can be mistaken for someone doing wrong... especially if the animal has no injuries, and is not in immediate danger.
If the animal is a danger to someone else, it is the job of the park ranger or animal control and you can get into legal trouble for taking it into your own hands on city or state owned property or in protected areas like Mission Trails. All it takes is one wrong person seeing you take them, or seeing you defending against them and reporting it - to cause you a very big problem.
I don't want to go on and on here, and I don't want to make you mad. I hope this makes sense and you know i only wish well. I do care about the birds and understand your frustration, but sometimes living with wildlife takes patience and understanding, and a step back to accept things the way the law interprets it and...the way the birds interpret it no matter how uncomfortable (or sore) they make you feel when you visit.​

 

[desertdarlene]

All I was asking was if someone could give them a home and that I will help before someone kills or hurts these guys. You went on and made all kinds of assumptions about me about this and assumed that I was doing this in a rogue way without talking to anyone.

As I've said three times, the park officials said that they will not remove or relocate these guys even though they've gotten several complaints and injuries from people. They do not relocate dumped pets as it is against the law to release most non-native wildlife and domestic animals into the wild. If someone were to dump a dog in the park and let it run around, they wouldn't do much about it either, except call animal control. That doesn't mean that someone can't come and get it before it gets hurt of killed.


And, rule #1 that you mentioned has to do with natural features of the park, not dumped or stray pets.

And, as far as I've been told, Project Wildlife doesn't handle domestic birds. I've been told this by them, myself because I've asked about taking injured feral birds there.

 

[luvanimals2]

Crazy Huhn: Will you be at the meet up this weekend? I so need mealworms. The ladies are packing up and ready to relocate to your place if I do not get some fast. Not only the ladies but my favorite quail

does flips for them. Not really but you get the picture.

I really should have put them in the fridge last time. They kept going to the next stage in development and I think you gave me really BIG, FAT mealworms so that probably advanced the stages. I could not feed them fast enough. I did let a small container go and I have been feeding it. The beetles were all at the surface as to look for food. I forgot to feed them and today they are mostly dead.

But upon furthur inspection w/ poor eyes, I see LOTS of movement so I think I have little mealworms. I know this is going to sound very stupid but what do I do now? Just leave them? Or change them into new bran?

Dang, this process takes forever. You are so patient. I think I will leave the farming of mealworms to you. I am not so patient.

Nancy

 

[dfdesigns]

If it makes it worth your while, I could use some mealworms, too! I have been out for a while now.

One of my big Barred Rocks was missing at coop check last night... I'm hoping she miraculously turns up today. Sigh.

Dana

 

[SunValleySeramas]

I have star milling coming with feed for sale, KING feed with feed for sale and samples. as well as large donations of mealworms from Rainbow mealworms, freezedried mealies from randal berkie....
~Cara

 

[SunValleySeramas]

ALSO please come hungry, we have a Great BBQ guy coming and doing BBQ pulled pork, and bbq sandwhich plates, potato salad beans and goodies $10 bucks a plate. I am really trying to support local small business!!
~Cara

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

Dumb question: is the Serama show THIS weekend on Saturday? How many people from here are going?

 

[SunValleySeramas]

Yes it is this weekend, Glen, tammy, cara, renee, chaili, ummm that is what i can think off the top of my head!!

 

[tigerrrrrrrlilly]

Quote:
I haven't assumed anything about you and I'm not sure where you got that, but it's not the first time you have tried to ask people to remove animals from the park. Like I said it is Park Officials duty to remove them if they feel they are a threat to people or need to be relocated or rehabilitated, if they are not calling animal control after 3x asking and complaints - it is because they don't see it necessary or see them as a problem in the same way as you do, it is after all a simple phone call to animal control. If you think they are wrong or don't care, then complain to the city or call animal control yourself... they do adopt out waterfowl for a mere $5 and chinese geese would go in a heartbeat. They would not be aggressive in a new environment, if anything they will be stressed and lethargic. They will not euthanize them, they would be sent to Sweetwater where they have the facilities for poultry/waterfowl and livestock. The woman in charge of them is very passionate about their care as I have seen with my own eyes.
I know your intentions are good but I don't see it as being right to get other people involved in capturing animals in a park where the animals are protected. You should speak to a lawyer when interpreting laws and regulations, not assume your interpretation is what is correct in that it only covers certain things. It does not specify whatsoever what "animals" whether domestic, wild or purple - and that is how you get into trouble, especially when going against the decision the park officials have already made not to remove them.

I have nothing else to say about it, because the more I try to explain and help, the more upset you seem to get - or think I am attacking you in some way. Maybe I am not good at coming across the way I wish to. I do hope it turns out ok and I wish you luck in whatever you choose to do.