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

[Matzwd]

It sounds as if you are a very gracious person. What you wish you had said is also kind yet informative. You might consider adding that you would like for them to knock on your door first to announce their arrival so you are aware the chickens have visitors.

 

[gtaus]

I did read your entire post, but I don't really have any advice. I'm the kind who would just put on the padlocks and yell at the hooligans to get off my lawn

What? Were you not the one who just inquired in a different thread about me have a 27-year-old son available? You can't be that old!? Or are you just young at heart?

Those kids should honestly be more careful just going to strangers' houses. What if you were a pedophile or something? You'd never met them before, right?

I have met the kids before with their parents, but yes, I think all parents have to be careful with their kids and strangers.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

I think I would have a chat with them and their parents. It's possible the parents don't know they came over to your property without permission and they probably should. I think it's very kind of you to encourage the kids to enjoy the chickens, but you should set some boundaries (even though you really shouldn't have to). Not a bad idea to lock them up anyway, just in case. Pretty inconvenient, though.

 

[gtaus]

...But I'd be especially irritated they brought a bunch of lettuce, that's not something on my "okay to feed" list...

Part of my reasons (I tell the wife) in having chickens is that we can feed lots of kitchen scraps to the birds. Are you suggesting that lettuce is not good for them? If so, why? Thanks.

 

[janiedoe]

I agree with all the replies.
Put locks on the doors. Explain to the children that your chickens require special care and can be easily harmed by the wrong treat & could be killed by predators if they get out when you aren't around to protect them.
You should probably reinforce this by speaking to the parents.
Personally, I think a twelve year old should know better than to go into someone else's property without explicit permission. They certainly should know better than to enter your chicken run. I have grandchildren and I'm sure they know better. They don't go near my chickens without asking permission. I love my grands, but I know kids will take that mile when you give an inch.
I would put locks on both doors.
I admire your patience and understanding.

 

[so lucky]

Having raised two boys I can attest to all the mischief a 12 year old can/will think up.
Your pop door sounds like mine. One of my fears is that a kid tries to open it with the necessary rope/pulley, and drops it, killing a chicken trying to come out of the coop.
I'm not a grumpy old man; I'm a grumpy old woman, lol. I think what I would do is put locks on the doors, and tell the boys they are welcome to come over when they see you out there working or feeding. (Also that lettuce is not nutritious as chicken food)
12 is old enough to know not to enter someone's chicken yard without permission. Or barn, or garage, or house.

 

[gtaus]

...OP has stated that he enjoys having the children come and have fun in his yard though. To each his own.

Yes, and we also have deer coming through the yard, turtles across the lawn, rabbits running everywhere, feed left out for wild birds, squirrels and chipmunks. etc... That's all good. Last year I had a Bald Eagle on my lakeside lawn eating a big old dead fish by the small creek that goes through my property. Beautiful birds, but not so good around chickens. A few years ago we had a pair of mountain lions cross our property one night, which was not very good and very scary as the female was just screaming for about 15 minutes non-stop. The dog we had at the time hid down in the basement, so at least he had some brains. Years ago we had a baby black bear that visited frequently as he went down to the lake. It's (mostly) all good for me and part of the reason why we live on a lake. Especially including the visiting children every summer.

 

[~KH~]

So I am thinking about putting padlocks on the coop and gate, at least during the summer when the visiting neighbors arrive. These kids will only be here a few weeks, and I really want to encourage them to enjoy my chickens and feel free to visit. My wife and I never had any children, so I am not quite sure on how to best both encourage these children while at the same time stressing to them that there are boundaries which should not be crossed - like going into the chicken run and trying to open the pop door!

I think you were very gracious and kind - my hubby would not have been so understanding if he found neighborhood kids in his yard, let alone in the coop...

I think the padlocks sound necessary in your situation. These kids don't seem to understand appropriate boundaries and even if you explain to them what you do and do not want them doing, I personally wouldn't trust that they'd honor that. As a parent, I'd be quite upset if they were my kids going into someone else's yard/property uninvited. I'd padlock stuff so they cannot "help" without you there.

 

[gtaus]

Not a bad idea to lock them up anyway, just in case. Pretty inconvenient, though.

Yeah, but they will be here only a few weeks and then back to the city life for them.

 

[BlueBaby]

I have a padlock on my coop door that I lock up every night just before dark, and I have the only key's to it.