Torrin Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 I have 4 children aged 7, 5, 3 and 1. The eldest two are fine, particularly my 5 year old boy who loves the chickens as much as I do! My problem is with the 2 smaller ones. Yesterday my 3 yr old bent down near one of the girls to watch her and she pecked at his eye. He has a mark on his eyelid, but is otherwise fine. Just now my 1 (nearly 2) yr old fell over near another of the hens. She also went for one of his eyes, he has a peck mark a few mm below the eye, but again is otherwise fine. I love my new girls and really want them to be able to free range, but I obviously can't have this eye pecking. Am worried serious damage will be done. Anyone have any experience of this kind of thing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jos Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 I have found that when new chickens arrive they are attracted to shiny things and have found them aiming for eyes/teeth (if they are very up close and personal!)/earings etc. but it usually settles down quickly as they realise shiny doesn't mean edible. Then they just concentrate on food. All the best J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milwichchickenlover Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 I agree. My new chickens like to go for my toes, I do like to wear brightly coloured nail polish! I'd keep your children out of the pen for a while until they have got used to shiny things! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*mummy_hen* Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 My girls love teeth They soon got bored though and now don't pay any attention. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 Yup mine really like red painted toes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 I had a similar problem for a short time too.. I found wearing sun glasses seemed to cure the problem and kept eyes safe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ness3103 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 mine are obsessed with freckles they spend ages trying to peck them off my arms and one of my ys has a little mole on his cheek and they keep trying to get that too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Chickens will peck at anything red and/or shiny. I always advise youngsters to keep the chooks away from their faces. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 Mine haven't pecked eyes, but the novelty of shoes hasn't worn off yet (after 2 years). Am not sure what the solution is: maybe keep them in while the kids are out (at this time of year I imagine your kids are in bed before the chickens are) and see if they calm down any. I can understand your concern, and imagine that you can't really tell an 18-month-old not to fall over in the garden!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
