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

[gtaus]

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 a chance to look at that link, and I was surprised to see a number of rabbits and geese I have raised in the past are on their list. I was thinking these animals would be some exotic breeds that I never heard of. Not so, I grew up with some of those animals.

I think we will rue the day when the only chicken breed left is the Cornish X hybrid or the only cow in the field in a McBeef hybrid.

 

[MROO]

I had a chance to look at that link, and I was surprised to see a number of rabbits and geese I have raised in the past are on their list. I was thinking these animals would be some exotic breeds that I never heard of. Not so, I grew up with some of those animals.

I think we will rue the day when the only chicken breed left is the Cornish X hybrid or the only cow in the field in a McBeef hybrid.

I can only agree! And that's why I raise Nankins. We'll eventually end up with a pair of rabbits, I'm sure, but they'll likely just be pets. I'm finding that being endangered doesn't necessarily mean a breed is a "hot commodity," so they're often hard to place. It's difficult finding people willing to put the effort into breed conservation. That's one reason I do the bird talks - to make people aware of what they are and what's at stake. I've placed very few breeding pairs of our little birds, but one of them just raised their first clutch ... all of one chick ... and we are ALL excited! It's pretty cool!

 

[MROO]

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.

LOVE it!!!!
I grew up with family in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, so I totally understand getting snowed in for Easter ... and having flurries on Memorial Day (That's been a while, it was still Decoration Day, then!) I still love it "Up North," but I'm staying put in the Mid-Atlantic!

 

[jlholm]

You definitely need to explain to them why it’s not okay for anyone to come into the run or coop for a number of reasons, in a way they understand, nicely, but firmly. The sooner the better, before they come back without you knowing and something bad happens. They are just being good hearted, but uneducated about what could happen (or boundaries...) and it wouldn't hurt for their parents to be aware of the rules, as well.

 

[gtaus]

You definitely need to explain to them why it’s not okay for anyone to come into the run or coop for a number of reasons, in a way they understand, nicely, but firmly. The sooner the better, before they come back without you knowing and something bad happens. They are just being good hearted, but uneducated about what could happen (or boundaries...) and it wouldn't hurt for their parents to be aware of the rules, as well.

Thank you. I did get the chance to talk to the vacationing kids the next time they came to visit the birds. Everything went well. The kids left yesterday with their parents back home and will not be back to the lake again until next year. So it all ended well. Thanks.

 

[Northernchickens]

Thank you, but I'm not Canadian. However, I do live in northern Minnesota and not far from the border. Also, I have lived in Europe twice, so maybe that help.

Take it from a canadian, you are a very nice person, the world needs more people like you. I haven't read all the post (cause i'm tired and need to go to bed) so perhaps my insight is not unique but I'm going to pass it on anyways. The good news is you have compassionate children problems, it could be much worse. The chickens are exciting and new and just telling them they can't do something may not be enough (like a dog with a bone) but if you explain the consequences (despite the good intentions it could make the chickens ill etc.) they will be more likely to respect your requests because they genuinely care about them.

 

[gtaus]

The good news is you have compassionate children problems, it could be much worse. The chickens are exciting and new and just telling them they can't do something may not be enough (like a dog with a bone) but if you explain the consequences (despite the good intentions it could make the chickens ill etc.) they will be more likely to respect your requests because they genuinely care about them.

Children are not dogs, but I read an interesting article on how to train dogs. The dog trainer stressed that you have to continue to tell the dog what you want him to do - not to stop doing what you don't want him to do. Positive reinforcement works best on training dogs. I suspect that applies to children, and adults, as well.

With that in mind, the next time I talked to the children I tried to approach things from a positive, and humorous, point of view. Instead of laying down rules like don't go into the chicken run, I posted a humorous sign that said "Keep Gate Closed - no matter what the chickens say." So, it clearly states what you want "Keep Gate Closed" and to bring it on home is the humor "no matter what the chickens say." I think that will be remembered better, and accepted, because even children know that the chickens can't talk to them but if chickens could talk they should not be listened to anyway.

The second chance I had to talk to the kids went very well. I got my concerns expressed in a light hearted and friendly manner and the kids received the positive message well. I gave them some bread and chicken scratch to feed the birds and in no time the chicks were eating out of their little hands. Good memories for the children, and me.

Thank you for the kind words. I hope you get a chance to read more of the wonderful responses I received from the BYC community. Their ideas and suggestions helped me form a successful plan on how to I could talk to the kids on that second visit.

 

[WthrLady]

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.

Ya NICE!
Nebraska only has two seasons. Hot as Hell, and Hell Freezing Over

 

[WthrLady]

Wait! WHAT?! Chickens can't talk? Mine never shut up! And I have two that talk in their sleep.

Agree with positive re-enforcement and humor and in your situation that worked really well.

I live next to a large state park. Visitors tend to look at us like a petting zoo, free to wander in and on the farms- until warning signs and security cameras went up. I wouldn't come into the city and wander around in their yard....

 

[JAFig]

12 years olds can read and understand signs. I would put up a friendly and plainly written reminding the youngsters to come to the house and ask to feed the chickens.

I'm glad that you welcome the kids enjoying your landscape, and that it hasn't been a problem for you, but this is an opportunity to teach respect for property even that's not fenced. When you grow up"in the city" that's an easy lesson to skip.

Enjoyed this post! Now I want to get to the lake too.