Is it ok for kids to chase ducks?

I don't agree with it personally, haven't done since I could decide what to eat. However I accept that animals are part of the food chain for many people. Chasing them at any age isn't necessary at all. What's the relationship between the two for you? Ducks are eaten by some therefore shouldn't be treated with respect by any?

I didn’t “deny my own children”, I said I hadn’t said anything about them. I forgot that one small comment 🤷🏼‍♀️. I certainly haven’t said anything about their pigeon chasing practices. I don’t consider myself to be dim no 🤣

Well of course, but this is where parents should come in

Eh??? What are you on about. I’m saying , if the birds were genuinely scared / distressed they would fly off and not come back. They do. Idon’t think they are particularly bothered or distressed. I don’t think they perceive small children a serious predator or threat: which is what I have always said:

@Skinthin factual because you denied your own children,…which you had previously admitted! And frankly, it is a bit dim and slow to not realise a) you have them and b) you’d already mentioned them! Can you not at least admit THAT??

But eating ducks is okay?

They are territorial. It’s their home. They can’t fly into another pigeons territory.

the same creatures (us) chasing them are the same creatures supporting their existence.

if a small child is frightening or particularly bothering them

So you admit that the child might actually be frightening them which you have pretty much refuted up to now.

And you're okay with that because they can move? Even if they are moving because they are scared? Aren't you lovely?!

distress is harm though

I don’t want any being to feel distress because of me

Factual not rude by calling me a “bit dim” and “slow” 😂😂 . Ok sure.

To be clear I absolutely think pigeons have the capacity to feel. I think people on here are underestimating pigeons - thinking that they’re too stupid not to just fly a short distance (literally metres) off , if a small child is frightening or particularly bothering them. Thats what you or I would do surely… so if pigeons are like us? It’s literally the easiest thing in the world for a pigeon to evade a small child.

I wouldn't let mine if I was aware of it.

However, I remember doing this myself when little because I was curious about them. I turned into someone who cares a lot about the natural world.

Most people aren't talking about harm. Obviously those that have said about stomping on pigeons is awful and I'd never think that's ok. But I just don't think a little kid running after a bird is that bad

@Skinthin nope. I wasn’t rude, I was factual. My parents taught me not to chase any animal, I’m a vegetarian by choice (I don’t use it to justify other shit decisions around animals though!) and I’m honest enough in my opinions to always remember what I’ve said. Because it’s always true, and always consistent. I’ve no need to lie. Unlke you with your “I’ve no children” remark. If you are prepared to lie to make a point, I honestly dread to think what you are teaching your children. Like I said, chasing pidgeons is going to be the least of your worries,,…

I'd be tempted to push those chasing kids in the lake (only half kidding) 😡

I do. And I’ve even named the snails that live in my garden.
you can’t get it right all the time. But an accident is a whole different ball game to enjoying potential harm to another

I really hope you tread carefully on your walks to ensure you don't step on an ant 🫣

Of course YABU but I would only tell off children I was actually in charge of for this and not anybody else's.

recent research suggests insects can feel pain.
just because they are wired differently to us, it’s massively arrogant to believe they feel anything different to us.
I’ve seen birds grieve for a lost friend and for their children.

why risk being the cause of making something else feel bad in anyway?

I think it's not right and it's the principle of teaching empathy for animals as best we can from our perspective. So, no, we don't know exactly how ducks feel. But we don't need to. They run when Chased. Maybe that means they're distressed, maybe it just interrupts their progress, or its a reflex.

We don't know their exact emotional state but it doesn't either leave them undisturbed or help them if necessary which is, I think, how we should approach both people minding their own business and wild animals.

I think kids needs to learn to quietly observe and enjoy things like animals and plantlife without needing to touch, disturb or pick them to keep. We are part of the same habitat and should respect it. Chasing isn't respecting unless it's part of play with friends

so why risk it?
if I’m wrong and it’s fine, there’s been no harm in stopping kids doing.
if your wrong and it does cause distress. Then there is harm

Yes I thought that’s what you meant. So my answer does make sense. It’s ok to climb up a slide!

Well done to you op
Too many people seem to think it's OK - as evidenced on this thread. It's not ok and I've also told kids to stop doing it.
It's drilled into my kids It's a no no

I believe it is you who is both slow and clumsy

As above 🥴