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

[ellend]

Don't give kids an apparent choice where there is none. Instead of "I would like" you must make it clear: "You must always..." If that seems harsh to you, give them a choice of two things that YOU decide are acceptable. "You can either knock on my door, or call me at _______ to get permission to come over to visit them." Never let them assume there is wiggle room for a choice of their own. That's not being mean, it's being responsible and honest, and it can be said kindly (but firmly.) BTW; regarding the description of "your" wildlife--can I come live with you???

 

[ellend]

And...if there had been an aggressive roo in there, and they'd gotten the door open--I assume they would have been at eye level.... Next time, if they don't learn now, it may be somebody's coop who has one. Or a quiet but property-defensive dog..

 

[ellend]

Hate to be a downer here, but I would also suggest for your own safety that you do meet the parents, and stay outdoors with the children when they visit. Gone are the days when you can safely invite kids inside, and for good reason.

 

[ellend]

Thank you. It's an interesting idea. I'm dealing with vacationing families that are only here for a short period of time. It's pretty hard to plan for much of anything. But I like the idea.

Great idea; I used to take animals I was rehabbing to the school and do classroom presentations, emphasizing the need to be pre-prepared with knowledge and housing, vet money, etc., and also the difficulties inherent in keeping animals, even common ones. I had a young child indignant, declaring HER iguana was placid and friendly. After questioning her, I explained that her little iguana was cold and malnourished. I gave her parent iguana care instructions, and her pet quickly grew large and much less passive... I emphasize the WORK and expense inherent in being responsible for a life. Animals are too easy to acquire on a whim.

 

[allbreednut]

So good to hear that you were gracious to the kids and conscious of setting a good example.

That said, there are quite a few issues here that could be addressed, beginning with "Do not go onto somebody else's property unannounced and make yourself at home with their stuff."

Years ago, I had a neighbor whose grandson started coming around when I'd be outside feeding the chickens. (I had extensive pens then, breeding several varieties.) I knew enough about the kid to know that he'd had a hard life, and that's how he ended up being raised by his grandmother, so I thought his interest in chickens was a good idea.

But eventually, he started coming around any time he wanted. One day I made a remark like, "Just don't be coming over and opening the pens, etc., when there's nobody home here." I explained about legal liability in case something happened, etc. The kid seemed to take it OK, but a few minutes later I got a call from his grandmother screeching and cussing.

Eventually, she had half our block involved in a "feud." I have no way of knowing whether it would have been any better for me to tell the kid to get lost the first time he came over, but I don't see how it could have turned out worse.

 

[Folly's place]

WOW! Crazy people everywhere...
Mary

 

[MROO]

Thank you. It's an interesting idea. I'm dealing with vacationing families that are only here for a short period of time. It's pretty hard to plan for much of anything. But I like the idea.

Great idea! And it would still work for your transient vacationers. Keep what you need on hand for a quick, impromptu lesson when you see children. They'll learn something, and you'll have a chance to brief them on the rules, including the one where you need to be home and aware of their presence if they're visiting the biddies!

 

[MROO]

Thank you for the suggestion. I do have a few dinosaur signs I have considered printing out and posting. Tell me if you like....

View attachment 1843858 View attachment 1843859 View attachment 1843860
I think they are funny, but I don't know if many people would get the joke...

LOVE THEM! I'd hesitate to post the last one right on the run, though. It kinda implies that the kids can go into the run. That one belongs on the edge of your property ... so the "interlopers" know the dangers of getting any closer!

 

[LeggyLeghorn]

Teenagers are like horses. They'll walk right through you. hip check ya without even blinking. push back! they are naturally curious, and like to help and be doing something. nothing wrong with a little "handling". They will respect you. you dont need to slap them around. education is everything. and maybe you make a friend.

 

[gtaus]

I used to take animals I was rehabbing to the school and do classroom presentations, emphasizing the need to be pre-prepared with knowledge and housing, vet money, etc., and also the difficulties inherent in keeping animals, even common ones.

That's great. Lots of children never have the experience of taking care of an animal and really don't understand the work and responsibility that comes with that pet. I can understand children wanting to buy a pet on a whim, but what bothers me is when parents are not responsible enough to teach their little one how to care for that pet. Maybe the parent never cared for a pet, but at least they should understand the animal is more than a toy for a day.