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AIBU?

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Original poster

Is it ok for kids to chase ducks?

480 replies

QuackersQuestion · 02/09/2024 00:26

Today at a family attraction, there were quite a lot of ducks, and a big lake. Lots of space for kids to run around.

Two primary age kids were chasing ducks around. The parent was loosely with them, could see what the kids were doing, and allowed the kids to continue to chase the ducks. Probably for about five minutes. No contact made with the ducks, just chasing right behind.

Another member of the public came into view, with their own family. And called out firmly but calmly to the two kids "Don't chase the ducks, that's wrong". This was the only person to comment out of quite a few passers by.

The kids ran away, the parent was shocked but said nothing, the commenting member of public kept walking. No great drama.

But it got me thinking. So my question is, is it bad for kids to chase ducks - YABU. Or is it ok for kids to chase ducks - YANBU. If you don't think it's ok, would you tell a kid who was chasing ducks, to stop?

OP posts:
vivainsomnia · 02/09/2024 08:51

I really don't think it's the end of the world. The ducks are free to fly elsewhere yet they often come back. I personally don't think the ducks are as distressed as the perfect mns mums like to believe. Ducks welfare is more affected by the inappropriate food people feed them.

Ps: my kids never saw it as a fun thing to do run after ducks.

ForGreyKoala · 02/09/2024 08:49

disdisdisisgood · 02/09/2024 04:18

I don't think it's ok to chase ducks. But the double think on mumsnet is sometimes astonishing. I presume everyone on this thread is vegetarian, or at least, never eats crispy duck from a Chinese.

I'm not vegetarian but I never eat duck. However I do eat other types of meat, but wouldn't be impressed to find kids chasing the animals. It's not 'double think' at all, grow up.

Swollenandgrouchy · 02/09/2024 08:47

I don’t let my children frighten or chase animals for fun, no.

Inspireme2 · 02/09/2024 08:47

disdisdisisgood · 02/09/2024 04:18

I don't think it's ok to chase ducks. But the double think on mumsnet is sometimes astonishing. I presume everyone on this thread is vegetarian, or at least, never eats crispy duck from a Chinese.

Not a vegetarian nor do i eat duck because i like them, the colour of duck meat isnt appealing either nor is the taste.
I say chase the Muppets chasing ducks.
Disstressing animals is Sickening and disturbing.
Oh....i do break if i see them on the road by a nearby park also 🙂

HansHolbein · 02/09/2024 08:45

You know the answer.

CoffeeGood · 02/09/2024 08:42

It's not okay to intentionally upset any person or any creature, especially for "fun". Anyone who thinks it is okay to scare an innocent creature is seriously lacking in humanity.

I live near a park with a duck pond and yes, I've told children off for chasing them.

Motomum23 · 02/09/2024 08:38

disdisdisisgood · 02/09/2024 04:18

I don't think it's ok to chase ducks. But the double think on mumsnet is sometimes astonishing. I presume everyone on this thread is vegetarian, or at least, never eats crispy duck from a Chinese.

Never eaten duck in my life - does that mean I'm allowed to think it's OK not to chase them?? There's a massive difference in consuming farm bred meat and causing distress for your own entertainment.

Proudtobeanortherner · 02/09/2024 08:33

If any of you think it’s okay to chase ducks then I assume that you also think that bullying is perfectly acceptable. Nobody should set out to upset anything or anyone else deliberately. Do you think the ducks enjoy being chased? No, they don't; they fly away because they are scared. Welcome to the 21st Century when pleasure seems to be derived from hurting other people or other animals/things. It’s the same as picking wild flowers or flowers from gardens. Why are people so selfish and allowing their children to be worse?

sunnshine · 02/09/2024 08:26

No it’s not ok! They’re not toys.

mushpush · 02/09/2024 08:25

It's not okay at all! Same way it's not okay for me to charge at a bunch of pre schoolers 🤷🏻‍♀️

I do and have told kids to stop chasing ducks (if the parents are there or not). I'm not going to ignore them causing distress to animals who can't speak up for themselves!

moppety · 02/09/2024 08:24

Scaring animals intentionally is shitty behaviour and parents who allow it deserve to be judged for it. Says a lot about someone when they allow (or even encourage) their child to do it.

WhamBamThankU · 02/09/2024 08:24

I hate seeing kids chase pigeons. Absolutely no need for it and my kids never once did it.

Webbymeister · 02/09/2024 08:22

Oh ha ha.

misread the vote. Ignore ms

Webbymeister · 02/09/2024 08:22

It’s not ok

im so surprised this vote is going this way

Clearinguptheclutter · 02/09/2024 08:21

I’d definitely not allow my kids to chase ducks and I’d like to think that I’d speak to any other kids I saw chasing ducks too.

not on!

i do admit to shooing seagulls away on the beach but that’s a bit different isn’t it?!

PolitePearlMoose · 02/09/2024 08:19

This reply has been deleted

This is the work of a previously banned poster.

MouseofCommons · 02/09/2024 08:19

No. Or pigeons.
There's a lot of idiot parents around I'm afraid.

IVFmumoftwo · 02/09/2024 08:18

Surprise you need to ask.

PatchworkElmer · 02/09/2024 08:17

It’s not ok to scare any animal, no.

LammasEve · 02/09/2024 08:16

Of course it's not ok to chase and scare wildlife! Why aren't kids taught to respect animals, not treat them like they're here for human's amusement?

HelenWheels · 02/09/2024 08:16

thanks @sanityisamyth and @Palladin
have you never seen the pigeons all leave the town square all at once,
they soon land again.
the difference is they fly, unlike the ducks

sanityisamyth · 02/09/2024 08:14

HelenWheels · 02/09/2024 08:09

not ducks no
unfair

pigeons are fair game though!

You're a twat.

Palladin · 02/09/2024 08:14

HelenWheels · 02/09/2024 08:09

not ducks no
unfair

pigeons are fair game though!

What an ignorant, cruel post. Says a lot about you.

KimberleyClark · 02/09/2024 08:12

No it's not OK. I've told children off for doing it before now.

PolitePearlMoose · 02/09/2024 08:10

This reply has been deleted

This is the work of a previously banned poster.

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