Too much to ask???

[Matt A NC]

I got a call today from someone wanting to come see my chickens. They had bought some chicks early last year and just wanted to visit. The chicks they bought were from the large bunch I had from a hatchery.

I said sure, but I do have one request, "Please make sure to have clean shoes to wear." I do this with everyone I don't really know and most that I do. At least with those that I know have grown birds of their own. I told them this and that it was just a normal precaution. When you walk through my yard, you are going to be walking among my birds.

They flipped out. After about 30 seconds of their tyrate of how clean they are and how their birds have never been sick, I hung up.

No one has ever complained before, but this really bothered me. I didn't know what to make of it. I don't like to deal with confrontation, so I avoided it. I have a bad temper(explosive) and don't like to loss control.

Matt

 

[chickenwhisperer123]

You did exactly what I would have done.

And BTW it isnt too much to ask.

 

[speckledhen]

They went nuts because you asked them to wear clean shoes? I have everyone spray their shoes with bleach solution or ammonia when they come. If they refuse, they can't come near my coops. And if they tracked in something to your birds, I'm sure they wouldn't come take care of them or cull them for you.

 

[mamaKate]

You were absolutely in the right. Good job protecting your birds.

Don't let the reaction bother you. You'd certainly rather deal with an overreactive person than a decimated flock.

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

That definitely is not too much to ask. If they want to flip out and not see your birds, that's their loss, not yours. At least your birds will continue to be safe

 

[emvickrey]

Do your birds free range or are they in a sanitized coop? If somebody asked me to wear clean shoes I would have done what was asked of me or not went. Not made an issue of it. Your yard, your birds, your choice.

I don't even wear clean shoes when I go outside in the yard or in the coop. When I leave I always have poop on them anyway. They are worse than our 4 dogs. At lwast they leave the yard to poop. the chickens just let it loose anywhere and everywhere. Then there are frogs and lizards and mice and snakes and other wild animals that roam through in the night then there is the neighbors dogs that will come over and poop under my chicken pens at night.

No use in wearing clean shoes in my yard. lol But like I said, its your choice. They should respect that.

 

[Matt A NC]

Oh, and around here, I don't wear shoes. Well in the winter I do, but once my toes won't freeze the shoes are gone. When I leave I have a "clean" pair of shoes beside the front door that I wear. These shoes never go out back. This way I can go to shows, sales, or feedstores without carring something back on my shoes. If I go to sales or shows even my clothes are tossed in the washer before I go out back. AND other clothes are put on before I go out.

The backyard is 1 acre and fenced. Most of the birds have their own Lots, but are out for some time everyday. There are 16 bantams that sleep in a house that is not in a lot and now the 3 mommas with 21 chicks are 'freeranging' too. Except for the chicks that can walk through the chainlink fence, most stay inside the backyard. Screech and Cream have visited the flower beds out front, but Cream is molting and can't fly well so Screech stays in. They do not actually leave the property.

Sorry, I do ramble about my birdies.

Matt

 

[CityChook]

You were absolutely in the right to ask them this VERY minor request. I would have done the exact same thing. And if they don't want to do it, then they can go visit someone else's chickens. Good for you.