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

[gtaus]

I agree with Big BlueHen53. The need to talk with the children and explain about your chickens would be a good way for them to learn. Especially, since you have encouraged them to use your property in the past.

Thank you. I did have the chance to talk to them the second time they came to visit and it went very well.

 

[MistiRose]

Yes, I know their parents but not real well. They come out here to the lake for just a few weeks every year. The mother and the kids were over a few days ago and fed the chickens some strawberries. That was fine with me. What caught me off guard was seeing the boys over here, in the chicken run, trying to get the pop door open, and not having any parent with them to tell them no.

No harm today, but I am thinking about what I should do if it happens again. Like I said, the boys hearts were in the right place, but I felt they crossed over the line when they let themselves into the chicken run and tried to force open the pop door.

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.

What a blessing for this family to have you as neighbors. I love it that you welcome children to enjoy the delights of your yard so that they will have memorable experiences. People that don’t have livestock (I’m lumping chickens in to that group! ) may not understand the care we take to keep them safe. Since these little boys were trying to give your chickens a treat could you invite them over at feeding time? Explain the dangers for your birds while showing them how to feed or handle the chickens? Explain that any time they have a special treat they should knock and ask you to come out with them. Go on to tell them that if you aren’t home then they should leave the treats on the porch or stick a note on your door and you will call them as soon as you get in. Children that don’t have animals at home LOVE being able to see them and be near them when they can. That desire can often override what social niceties their parents have instilled. If they realize that they have to protect the chickens but can still enjoy them when you’re available I think they’ll be pleased.

 

[MROO]

I do keep some bread and chicken scratch on hand in case anyone comes to visit the chicks. I'm not so much into laying down rules as I don't think any of these kids will be here more than days, or a week or so every year. So I'm just more concerned that they have a nice, safe visit. But I keep a pretty good eye on the backyard and if anyone comes to visit, I go out there and talk to them, while bringing out some bread and/or chicken scratch that they can feed to my chicks. Part of the enjoyment I get out of raising chickens is sharing the experience with others.

You know what? We can talk this thing in circles for years, and we'd all be right. The important thing here is that you have the right attitude and you did the right thing - the way you saw fit - and it worked. Don't overthink ... or over plan ... or second guess yourself. Going with your heart and your gut has served you, your chickens and your visiting neighbors well, so far. Trust your instincts. They're good!

 

[MROO]

You would have my interest piqued, and I'm hardly a young kid anymore. It sounds like you really enjoy sharing your passion with other, both children and adults. We need good ambassadors like that in life in general. Thank you for doing your part.

"Awww, Shucks, Yogi" ... Thanks! I do enjoy my biddies and I enjoy sharing them with others. If I can help save the breed along the way, all the better!
If you want to explore that piqued interest a bit further, check out The Livestock Conservancy's website (www.livestockconservancy.org) to find out more about the many heritage critters we're in danger of losing to "modern improvements." I had Nankins, growing up, and never knew they were anything but cute little chickens with a lot of personality. When I saw them on the LC's Priority Conservation List, I had to get them again ... and it took me more than two years to find them! I was really surprised to see some other well-known domestic breeds on the list: the original Morgan horse, Guernsey cattle, Delaware Blue Hens, the Clydesdale!
I'm hooked, now and I'll do what I can to save my favorite little birds. I only wish I had room for a couple of Mammoth Jacks, too ... and maybe some Sebastopol geese ... and some Leicester Sheep ... and some ... {{{ Sigh!}}}

 

[LeggyLeghorn]

Thank you for the response. I was fortunate in that I received many comments and suggestions in case the kids did come back. They did. And I had a nice conversation with them, gave them some food to feed the chicks, and before long the chicks were eating out of their little hands. Everything worked out better than I could have hope for. Again, many thanks to all who responded to my request.

That is fantastic.

There is nothing like going up north for the summer. Can be trying for the locals, at times. Such a beautiful part of the US.

 

[gtaus]

... Children that don’t have animals at home LOVE being able to see them and be near them when they can. That desire can often override what social niceties their parents have instilled. If they realize that they have to protect the chickens but can still enjoy them when you’re available I think they’ll be pleased.

Thank you for the kind response. I think you have it about right that perhaps the children were over anxious to interact with the chicks. In the end, I was able to talk with them on their next visit and the messages was well received. The boys left yesterday and I don't expect they will be back until next year. But I think they left with lots of good memories and next year they will be a little older and a little more aware of their actions.

 

[gtaus]

There is nothing like going up north for the summer. Can be trying for the locals, at times. Such a beautiful part of the US.

Yes, to my friends living in the south, I say come up here to Minnesota where we enjoy 4 seasons every year. We have winter, June, July and August. So pick your favorite season and give us a visit.

 

[TreeHugger]

Add master locks. I would be worried someone would show up when I wasn’t at home and you would have the same issue. Not necessarily those children but another one or two visiting. I used to keep master locks on mine years ago because I would have visitors whose kids would head straight to the coop. While they did not hurt anything they would usually not latch the doors back and I would be chasing birds.

 

[gtaus]

Add master locks....

Yes, I have a set of 4 master locks on the garage and shed that all take the same key. I will be looking to see if I can get another set that uses the same key. If not, I guess I'll have to buy another set that shares one key. Thank you.

 

[gtaus]

I'm hooked, now and I'll do what I can to save my favorite little birds. I only wish I had room for a couple of Mammoth Jacks, too ... and maybe some Sebastopol geese ... and some Leicester Sheep ... and some ... {{{ Sigh!}}}

Sounds like you have found your mission. I salute your efforts. Best wishes on your endeavor.