(Well-meaning) human predators in the chicken run, Oh No!

[MysticUniKitty]

How nice of you to give your 14 year old perspective. That means a lot to me. Yes, I am thinking about posting some humorous signs that get across the point that it's OK to enjoy the chickens, but the gate needs to be kept shut.

I found this on Amazon, what do you think?
View attachment 1840991

I like that one!!!

 

[MysticUniKitty]

Thank you for the advice. I have never been a parent and that is one of the primary reasons why I posed my question here on BYC. I want to effectively communicate with these boys, if they do come back, but I don't want to talk down to them or scare them off. I have received many great responses and think I will be much better prepared if the boys come back again, which I hope they do.

That you are taking the time to talk with them will be what they remember! You'll do great! I think funny signs will be a great addition too! Specially for future vacationers that wonder by.

 

[gtaus]

I think you are right for now to avoid parent involvement (getting the kids "in trouble"), as the most likely response from the parents would be "don't go over there and bother him anymore", regardless of what they say to you. Since they are there for such a short time, I think you are doing the right thing... One day, the next generation will appear, as you say. In your situation, I would not want to be "the grumpy old man that we have to avoid" instead of the "friendly guy with the chickens"...

Wow, you said this much better than me. But you have completely captured my "feelings" toward my conflict on this issue. I very much want the children to think of me as the friendly guy with the nice chickens and let's go and look at the chicks some more. Chickens are fun.

And yes, I know the parents, but not well. I can see any parent defaulting to telling their kids "just stay away for him and his chickens, we're going home in a few days anyway." You said it perfectly.

Also, I think you really understand that if these children were here with me year round, then perhaps parental involvement would be a better choice. Or, if something bad had happened, I guess I would have to involve the parents right away.

 

[gtaus]

I think funny signs will be a great addition too! Specially for future vacationers that wonder by.

I mentioned it earlier in this thread in a light hearted manner, as a joke really. But then I got to thinking that maybe it would be a very effective way to communicate some more important ideas.

For example, this sign uses humor to stress the idea that it's very important to keep the gate closed for the safety of the birds. If a parent comes over with their kids, this sign is a great talking point on the safety of the chickens is dependent upon them staying inside their chicken run. If the kids come over by themselves, I could ask them something stupid like "Are the chickens asking you to let them out?" Or maybe, "If the chickens ask you to let them out, please don't because they party all night and keep us awake...." Whatever, really it's a starting point on enforcing boundaries that should not have to be stated, but probably best to state up front anyway.

And I am thinking it might just work for future visitors this summer. Thanks for the response.

 

[gtaus]

I just want a militantly loyal/protective loner roo who loves me and crows at basically everyone else.

And I hope you find that person. I enjoy your posts and you being able to take a little ribbing. Your good sense of humor will certainly work to your advantage.

 

[ValerieJ]

View attachment 1840991[/QUOTE]

I found this on Amazon, what do you think?
View attachment 1840991

I love this!!! Must get one myself!!!

 

[Chicken Heel]

I took that comment to mean that kids will do things not realizing they are mean or harmful, like chasing and trying to catch a chicken, or letting the chickens out of the coop when they should stay in.

That is exactly what I meant. Sorry for the confusion. I also had one incident of malicious vandalism involving my first lot having its wire cut down allowing my flock of chickens to "free range". This in an area of with many dogs running loose. Fortunately, no chickens were lost.

 

[ShannonR]

Don't forget to put an oldskool gumball or candy machine filled with chicken treats or feed out by the coop-- might as well clean up on the kiddos while you can!

 

[Folly's place]

This has been a very interesting and fun thread! The sign is really good too.
Having horses and cattle, and chickens, and roosters, my viewpoint differs quite a bit from most of you.
ONCE, at our other farm, a couple of neighbor girls went into our horse pasture to visit, without coming to us first. Fortunately, nothing bad happened, but when I saw them, had to explain that nobody can or should visit without permission, and one of us present.
I'd love to have 'horse crazy' kids show up, but not unaccompanied, ever, and not without parental permission, preferably in writing.
Roosters can hurt people, and diseases could be out there, but horses and cattle , sweet ones, can hurt or kill people without meaning to at all!
Visitors are great, but when they respect the boundaries you set.
Mary

 

[ShannonR]

This has been a very interesting and fun thread! The sign is really good too.
Having horses and cattle, and chickens, and roosters, my viewpoint differs quite a bit different from most of you.
ONCE, at our other farm, a couple of neighbor girls went into our horse pasture to visit, without coming to us first. Fortunately, nothing bad happened, but when I saw them, had to explain that nobody can or should visit without permission, and one of us present.
I'd love to have 'horse crazy' kids show up, but not unaccompanied, ever, and not without parental permission, preferably in writing.
Roosters can hurt people, and diseases could be out there, but horses and cattle , sweet ones, can hurt or kill people without meaning to at all!
Visitors are great, but when they respect the boundaries you set.
Mary

I tried not to be a killjoy by mentioning potential liability issues-- such as a chicken pecking an eye out, child getting hurt in the coop, and ECT. My toddler once ate chicken poop and then pooped blood.... things of that nature (good thing it was my own kid!) While I understand that safety and liability issues are all too real in this age, I also understand the need for city kids to experience things outside of their city lives, like chickens.