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

[gtaus]

I agree! Locks aren't a negative, ...

I am not opposed to using locks and have been looking to get another set that matches my current lock set. All these kids are gone for another year, so I have time to look around.

 

[Zoopilla]

Little late here......but how about educating the kids about predators and why you are careful to lockup add in a real story of losing your chickens when carelessly. Also you can tell them that you have learned a lot about caring for your chickens and they need to see you if they intend to feed as some foods kill or make them sick, other times they’ve had too much treats and need to eat their regular meal. Ie it’s not good for you to eat dessert all day, just like you not good for chickens. Your parents keep you healthy, I’m the chickens owner and it’s my responsibility to keep them healthy. Then tell them that you really do love having them come over to feed chickens just want to make sure everything is safe.

 

[gtaus]

Little late here......but how about educating the kids about predators and why you are careful to lockup add in a real story of losing your chickens when carelessly. Also you can tell them that you have learned a lot about caring for your chickens and they need to see you if they intend to feed as some foods kill or make them sick, other times they’ve had too much treats and need to eat their regular meal. Ie it’s not good for you to eat dessert all day, just like you not good for chickens. Your parents keep you healthy, I’m the chickens owner and it’s my responsibility to keep them healthy. Then tell them that you really do love having them come over to feed chickens just want to make sure everything is safe.

Thank you for those thoughts. I'll keep that in mind next year when those kids come to visit.

 

[Henry&Friends]

I would put up “do not open” and “do not enter” signs on the run, and ask the kids not to open the gate without you there.

 

[gtaus]

I would put up “do not open” and “do not enter” signs on the run, and ask the kids not to open the gate without you there.

Yes, I did that.

 

[Henry&Friends]

Yes, I did that.

View attachment 1883840

Oh my gosh, that’s an amazing sign!

 

[gtaus]

Oh my gosh, that’s an amazing sign!

I really liked it. I copied a picture off Google pictures and printed it on a piece of paper. Then I laminated the paper so it would last longer. I had some scrap wood left over from my coop build so I made a frame to hang on the gate. It came out pretty good. After a few months in the sun, the reds have faded somewhat and look more pinkish. But that's OK for now.

If you want a better quality sign, Amazon.com sells many for less than $15.00. Here is one on Keep The Gate Closed.... for only $8.95.

 

[member 158781]

Some of this may be my problem because I also have a nice wooden swing set with slide that I still maintain for the visiting children even though my wife and I have no kids out here anymore. Also, we have a small stream going through our property and all the neighborhood kids are in there catching frogs and such. So the visiting children have always been free to use my property and I really enjoy that. They enjoy their vacations out here at the lake and I like to think I make it just a little better for them.

Sounds to me like you and your wife are wonderful people. I’m sure you’ll find a way to talk to these young lads in a super friendly yet educating and inviting way. Good luck. Ellen.

 

[Mary Chapman]

I think I would have told them that it's fine to want to feed the chickens. BUT, come knock on the door first and ask if it's OK. You are responsible for any accidents on your property if the kids get hurt. Also some people don't like someone else feeding their animals and they may want to find out first. I don't mind if someone ask to throw scraps to my poultry over the fence when they're out. But anyone else needs to ask. But my horses on the other hand, unless it's a neighbor I know well, nobody is allowed to even throw them an apple.

 

[StaffordshireLady]

The world would be a much more pleasant place if we all had neighbours like you.