CrosStitching said: Of course I'm not blaming any one for my sons injury. Accidents do happen...I just think as chicken owners we should also communicate that chickens go after shiny objects including eyes. I will make sure my kids and my friends kids know to not get near the chicks faces and probably keep goggles or sunglasses handy for when the chicks are out. I just want to see more forwardness about negative behaviors and heath concerns. Again, not blaming anyone. Click to expand...

CrosStitching, I am very sorry about your son getting pecked. I understand that it is very upsetting and as a Mom you wish it could have been prevented. Do a search in forums on 'peck eye' or 'pecked eye' and you will see many, many threads from people who have had the same unfortunate experience. You keep saying that you're not blaming anyone but, at the same time you say that "we" chicken owners should communicate this danger to others. How? This is something that a lot of people experience and a lot don't. My wife has always owned parakeets or something like that. All birds like shiny, moving objects...like eyes, earrings, wedding bands, jewels etc.I understand that you went through something very difficult and painful for you child and I am sure everyone feels for you. However, I fail to see how the onus is upon us "as chicken owners we should also communicate that chickens go after shiny objects including eyes". I also cannot see how this is possible. A child should really not be 'nuzzling' a chicken or putting their face so close. We never allow small children to handle our chickens. It is too easy for an accident to happen where the chicken or chick is injured or, in your case, the child. In general, birds do not like to be picked up. We hand raised our hens from day-old chicks. When they are indoors they like to come sit with us...on their terms. But they do not like to be picked up. There are a few people who have hens that tolerate it but in general they don't. If a child thinks it is okay to pick them up you run the risk of harm. I suggest you teach him to leave them on the ground, if they want attention, they will come to you. This keeps everyone involved safe.