Will a toddler be safe around hens?

[joebryant]

I would not chance it. He/she could stand back a safe distance and watch me, but I would not put a toddler in the line of danger. Ten-years-old would be my minimum for feeding chickens, and even then after having supervised training. Even innocently, I've had hens do some things suddenly that could have been dangerous for me or anyone else.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
For my chickens, it's not that they mean to attack you. It's that they are curious and it's more of a "let's peck at that and see what it is" kind of thing. I got pecked by one when I had my nose stuck in the coop watching one of my other one's lay. So my face was right up close to their level. It's my fault really.

 

[aimeeinwv]

Oh!~ You Won't Believe What My Father In Law Did Last Week!!

he and my mother in law brought the nephew and neices to visit, one is a baby, 9 months! He sat her car seat/ carrier down on the ground in the middle of the chickens feeding! (I was letting the 5 year old twins throw feed) I have extremely gentle hens, but I was terrified she'd get pecked in the eye! I picked her back up just in case.... whew! They aren't exactly into the whole "watch the kids close thing!" ARGH!!

 

[aimeeinwv]

It's a chickens nature to peck the eyes of chickens who are different or injured... or peck them anywhere really. Just be careful! I don't know of anyone ever being pecked, but I have sure heard stories from my granny!!

 

[ranchhand]

I'm with joebryant- why even take the chance? Kids can toss feed through the fence and have lots of safe fun, without risk.

I love the idea of kids learning about chickens early on, but it does pose a risk. Better to err on the side of caution, and everyone's happy!

 

[claud]

As New2chooks said, the chickens are not "going for the eyes" it's just that they like anything shiny. If I reach down to their level they always peck at my diamond ring. I think pecking at something is their way of "reaching out and feeling" something.
Usually, it's when you are eye level with them when there is a danger of pecking an eye.
I can't imagine keeping kids away from chickens until they are 10 years old!

Safety glasses are a great idea.

 

[Msbear]

more like will the hen be safe around a toddler

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
No kidding.

 

[welovechickens]

I've been pecked in the eye before by a 6-week-old chick who meant no harm, she was just curious....so YES, be sure the small kids have their eyes protected. My girls go after my glasses every single time I have gotten on their level (mostly they get on the roost while I scoop their sand floor and I'm not paying attention like I should.)

Never EVER EVER let younger kids play with chickens unsupervised.....even full-grown chickens. That should go without saying with tiny chicks. Aside from the chance of the chickens injuring the kids, the kids could injure the chickens without meaning to.

 

[patman75]

My 4 year old almost got pecked in the eye when she was bending over looking at the chicken from only a few inches away. My alpha hen "Sugar" a white leg horn is a rough eater. I have tended to my daughter crying a few times because Sugar pecked her. I ask her "Well why did you let her do that? you know she pecks hard." But is doesn't stop her from walking around with the hens, petting them, feeding them, and trying to give them hugs.

Just dont feed OLDER chickens from their hands and keep your eyes away.

Of course not all chickens are rough eaters and eye peckers.