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

[gtaus]

You might consider adding that you would like for them to mock in your door first to announce their arrival so you are aware the chickens have visitors.

What! I don't want people mocking me in my door! No way!

More seriously, knocking at my door to announce their arrival would be nice, but I'm not always home. So better that they learn they can visit, but respect boundaries. That would be a win-win. FYI, although the chicken coop and run is in my backyard, I can clearly see them from my deck, my kitchen, my living room, and my home office. If I'm at home, that is where I spend most of my time if in the house.

Just a little after thought, it's great being able to watch chicken TV while we sit out on the deck and barbecue on the grill.

 

[gtaus]

I would put locks on both doors.

I am leaning that way. Seems like a good way to both protect the birds and set boundaries for the kids without having to say anything. I will talk to the kids if they come around again and explain to them my concerns for the birds. I'm sure that they would understand. And the locks on the doors would not stop them from visiting the birds or feeding them kitchen scraps if I am not at home.

 

[gtaus]

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.

Yes, I worry about that when I close the pop door myself. I have the pulleys and rope inside the coop, so nobody can open/shut the pop door unless they open the coop doors. And, I can lock the coop doors if I want so nobody can get to the rope for the pop door.

 

[gtaus]

As a parent, I'd be quite upset if they were my kids going into someone else's yard/property uninvited.

Well, yes. I guess we have free range kids during the summer months.

To be clear, I have told the parents that the kids could use my swing set and slide, catch frogs in the creek, and now to visit the chickens whenever they want. So, guilty as charged. I was just surprised to see the boys in the chicken run and trying to pry open the pop door. That was something I had not expected to see as when they visited with their parent, they were very respectful of the boundaries of the coop and run.

 

[Mosey2003]

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.

Yes. I've always read that lettuce is not good to give more than a small amount because it can cause diarrhea. May not be true, but I don't bother giving it to them.

 

[AmyJane725]

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?

Quite the opposite. I'm old at heart. I'm a 75 year old in a 27 year old body. Makes for lonely living surrounded by whippersnappers. Hoping to find someone equally crotchety. Too bad there isn't a dating section of the forums. Would be cool to meet someone who loves chickens as much as I do.

 

[Serin]

^Romaine or any of the darker lettuces are fine for birds, just avoid the white iceberg that is all water without nutritional value.

 

[AmyJane725]

^Romaine or any of the darker lettuces are fine for birds, just avoid the white iceberg that is all water without nutritional value.

Your avatar is really cute. Is that a dove?

 

[gtaus]

Yes. I've always read that lettuce is not good to give more than a small amount because it can cause diarrhea. May not be true, but I don't bother giving it to them.

The kids brought over about a salad bowl full of lettuce. They threw it in the chicken run. A few chickens ate some lettuce, but most of it is still on the grass. It's raining outside today, so the chickens are staying pretty much in the coop. I had no idea that lettuce could cause diarrhea in chickens, but fortunately, I don't think there was enough to cause any problems. They have chick starter feed and water in the coop 24/7. So the good stuff is always in front of them.

I am trying to feed my pullets as much variety of kitchen scraps as I can. That is one of the reasons I got them. Kitchen scraps is a small part of their diet, but if they stay healthy, I consider it a win. The wife likes the idea of giving them first choice on the kitchen scraps before we dump it into the compost pile. So it gets her involved, too, in thinking about the chickens. Another win for me!

 

[Chicken Heel]

After having a similar experience with two children when I had my first large flock of chickens 40+ years ago, I have always chosen to lock my coops and runs since. Sometimes things are not malicious but they can be intentional.