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Original poster

Our pre school 'Pet a chick' fundraiser - how to handle any objections?

20 replies

handlemecarefully · 03/05/2006 18:06

Our pre school is in a rural area, and one of the mums has hit on the idea of bringing in recently hatched chicks for the children to pet and handle (she's got some newborn chicks)- asking the parents for a voluntary contribution (suggested donation of a £1).

We thought it a lovely idea and very enjoyable for the children.

We've put a flyer in the children's post boxes for the parents to pick up and read explaining that the Pet a Chick fundraiser will take place next week, with the chicks visiting over 3 days.

What do I do if a get (imo) an hysterical parent rabbiting on about bird flu? Any thoughts on how to handle this.

As far as I am aware there is virtually no risk involved (and DEFRA website still being very low key, not suggesting special measures anywhere..)

OP posts:
Feistybird · 03/05/2006 18:09

you see, I know the risk is minimal, but I think it's a bit short-sighted to organise something like this when bird flu is getting so much publicity.

Original poster
handlemecarefully · 03/05/2006 18:16

I disagree - (well obviously Grin), seems over reactive and hysterical not to do it....

OP posts:
iota · 03/05/2006 18:18

I thought this was going to be about cruelty to chicks suffering at the hands of brutal toddlers

Feistybird · 03/05/2006 18:18

Not necessarily saying I would object myself, just that you are bound to get dissenters - people just don't understand enough about bird flu or how it's transmitted.

zippitippitoes · 03/05/2006 18:18

I think you'll get people saying they don't want their children involved and it shouldn't be done because they don't want them left out either

RTKangaMummy · 03/05/2006 18:19

At DS primary school they had eggs in a couple of weeks ago and now they have lovely fluffy chicks in the hall

We were all sent letters explaining that it would be safe for the children

They have done this for several years Smile

Original poster
handlemecarefully · 03/05/2006 18:21

I'm half thinking of contacting a couple of the local activity farms (where the paying public go to see farm animals, handle chicks etc) to see how they are handling queries on this matter...

Probably in our favour is that most of the parents in the area are 'country folk' so hopefully pragmatic about this....

We shall see I guess...

OP posts:
Greensleeves · 03/05/2006 18:22

Overreactive and hysterical it may be, but you may find some parents unwilling to take even a small risk with their children's safety. Odd, that.

Shock
Blu · 03/05/2006 18:28

But there isn't a risk to their children';s safety! And certainly not in comparison with sending them on a coach outing to look at chicks in a centre, somewhere!

HMC - I think seeking advice about how other relevant organisations have handled the publicity is a good idea, and then hopefully all you have to do is rely on the nature of your rural community.

I would be delighted for DS to handle a chick....but come to think of it, could it turn nasty and viciously peck him? he could inhale a feather...squeeze it too hard and be traumatised by it's little lifeles form...be trampled by a mob of crazed animal rights activisits coming to picket your school....Don't Do It!

Original poster
handlemecarefully · 03/05/2006 18:29

It's helping to discuss it as I'm already refining my thoughts on it.....

I'm going to hang around at the start of each session (when the chicks are attending) to ask each parent if they are 'okay' with it.

If there is a reluctant parent, I will propose that the chick handling takes place for quarter of an hour after the formal end of the Pre-school session - so that the objecting parent can collect their child as usual, and then the chick 'petting' can take place after their departure with the child blissfully unaware that they are missing out.

How does that sound?

OP posts:
Original poster
handlemecarefully · 03/05/2006 18:29

lol Blu!

OP posts:
beckybrastraps · 03/05/2006 18:30

I feel a bit sorry for the chicks! How many children will they be pawed by? I can't even begin to imagine what my dd might do. She'd probably try to pluck it. Lovely idea though, ggod luck!

Katymac · 03/05/2006 18:31

How about a statement from a vet about it?

Jimjamskeepingoffvaxthreads · 03/05/2006 18:31

They hatch chicks every other year at ds2's nursery. I think in your situation I'd refer complaints to DEFRA website.

Original poster
handlemecarefully · 03/05/2006 18:31

Yep, that's worth a try too.

OP posts:
Jimjamskeepingoffvaxthreads · 03/05/2006 18:32

your idea sounds spot on hmc

Blu · 03/05/2006 18:36

I chose Ds's school in a toss-up between it and another because they were hatching chicks in the nursery when we went round. So much for league tables!
The other school was a faith school, too - but it was the chicks that sealed it for me!

Whizzz · 03/05/2006 18:40

If parents did have objections to handling the chicks - maybe their kids could draw a pic of a chick instead ?
If you are raising funds - how about guess the name of a cuddly chick (bound to be some half price toys in shops after Easter Wink - cheapo prize)

Blu · 03/05/2006 18:42

Sponsor a Chick?

And after however many weeks you get it to take home - oven ready?

Whizzz · 03/05/2006 18:43

I wasn't going to mention Paxo Grin

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