Is it ok for kids to chase ducks?

[QuackersQuestion]

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?

@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??

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:

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

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 🤣

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?

so People who eat meat can just go round harming animals? Because,
fuck it. They eat it anyway.

Because there’s food
and it’s their home

@Skinthin I would be utterly fascinated to know the level of scientific research you’ve done around the evasive behaviour of birds when threatened? Oh you haven’t done any? You are merely commenting on what you think you’ve seen when witnessing the behaviour of birds with the children you don’t have? Excellent. As you were…..

“one small comment” around whether you have children or not? Ummm ok.

It isn’t ok to chase any animals. It annoys me when I see it. I wouldn’t say it if it was just once but continuously I would.

Ok we are just going round in circles.

evasive behaviour of birds when threatened

they aren’t being threatened! I don’t think its ok to “threaten” animals.

with the children you don’t have?

eh?

one small comment” around whether you have children or not

yeh.

why are you so obsessed with whether I have children? It literally has nothing to do with the debate. You seem to think this is a stick you can beat me with? And that will make your opinion (person?) more valid? Why? What are you projecting here?

No. Leave wildlife alone.

Disagree with you there. If the child has been taught to be respectful (ie obviously no muddy feet and if someone is waiting at the top) then it’s fine for a child to explore a slide by climbing up it. There’s an interesting book called ‘It’s ok to go UP the slide’ by Heather Shumaker.
As for slapping a child…

"Eh???" That's NOT what you said. And I quote "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"

So you are admitting that they might be scared. You didn't say anything about them not coming back, you said "fly a short distance (literally metres) off". Not that they would fly off and not come back, you added that when you replied. You are arguing I am wrong about something you didn't say!!

Of course they will come back. It's their home! If you got chased down the road outside your house by a large dog, would you move house and never go back again?

Idon’t think they are particularly bothered or distressed.
You don't THINK?! You can't possibly KNOW, so why would you risk it? Unless you didn't care. Which I think might be the answer. You choose not to think about the distress that could be caused because it doesn't suit your narrative of knowing that every single pigeon isn't scared of having a child run at them. One scared pigeon is too many.

This is going to end up on Jeremy bloody vine tomorrow isn’t it

Of course it's not okay! Can't believe you are asking this.

Cruelty to animals is a bad sign in humans. Very bad sign.

And yes I would be telling them not to do it.

Said the person repeatedly asking the same question.

I can’t give you another answer, because it’s the same question and it is the reason they return. In the same spot children chase them is the hand that sustains them

as i say. If I’m wrong there’s no harm done. If you’re wrong and it is distressing for them. Why are you justifying risking it?

Have you not noticed how many kids love to try and walk up a slide!? It’s a challenge and a risk for them. Climbing up it is a way of experimenting. Taking risks. See the book title I edited in above. It’s perfectly fine if they have boundaries in place of when to do it.

People who let their children cause distress or harm to any kind of living creature are despicable fuckwitted lowlifes.

There. I said it.

@Skinthin don’t use big words you don’t understand. Projecting? What could I possibly be projecting? You made differing comments about whether you had children, to try to make a point and I called you out on it. No projection, just facts. My mother, as well as teaching me not to chase animals also taught me that if I was going to lie, I’d need to have a REALLY good memory. I haven’t. But neither it seems do you.

what I said and meant was very clear.

I don’t think a child chasing pigeons is cruel or abusive to animals.

we will just have to agree to disagree.

@Temushopper

"I’ll be honest that I’m fine with mine chasing the seagulls away before they destroy something trying to steal our picnic food."

The gulls were there in their own territory long before we were.

It's never right to chase an animal. You're teaching them that's it's okay to do this. Please stop and think about this.