A different kind of pest...

[mrpekinduck]

I know that most boys are just going to say " that's so cool look at those chickens dude!" then they're gonna try to catch one and take it home so be careful maybe an electric fence will deter them just put a warning sign on it so they don't try to sue you.

 

[moodlymoo]

As the mom to a boy who just turned 13, neighbor to a family with 7 boys ages 4-9, and friend to many boy-only parents this would NEVER fly in my yard. ANY kid can hurt chickens even if they didnt mean to. More importantly here the problem is the dogs hurting the boys. Not saying your dogs are dangerous but look at it from the dogs eyes. Here are 2 male subjects sneaking around your property, yes dogs can smell the difference in male and females. The dogs natural instincts is to stop that intruder no matter the age of it. The boys would have deserved it and of course the dog would be to blame since society blames everything on the other person. Nobody has to accept responsibility for their actions. It just drives me nuts. If I saw any kid sneaking onto my property they would be yelled at sternly the first time, the second they would see the end of an UNloaded gun.

Sorry...rant over

 

[moetrout]

You would point a gun at a kid? Loaded or not, I think that is wrong. You should not point a gun at anything you are not prepared to destroy. Number ONE rule of gun safety, keep that muzzle pointed in a safe direction. I also think that could get you in some trouble. There are too many other ways to handle a situation like this. Sorry, but this is the worst suggestion I have ever read here on BYC!

 

[Magic Birdie]

Little kids are so annoying

Especially my neighbor...

 

[moodlymoo]

You have no idea how much damage a kid can do to your property around here...items, pets, house, MY own kids...and I wont tolerate it any longer. AND, no you dont get in trouble if you are protecting your property from an intruder after you have warned them.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

If I saw any kid sneaking onto my property they would be yelled at sternly the first time, the second they would see the end of an UNloaded gun.

You could get arrested for that, and rightly so

no you dont get in trouble if you are protecting your property from an intruder after you have warned them.

I'm sure the Judge will be interested in hearing your legal theories

http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/161.html

161.219 Limitations on use of deadly physical force in defense of a person. Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 161.209, a person is not justified in using deadly physical force upon another person unless the person reasonably believes that the other person is:

(1) Committing or attempting to commit a felony involving the use or threatened imminent use of physical force against a person; or

(2) Committing or attempting to commit a burglary in a dwelling; or

(3) Using or about to use unlawful deadly physical force against a person. [1971 c.743 §23]



161.220 [Repealed by 1971 c.743 §432]



161.225 Use of physical force in defense of premises. (1) A person in lawful possession or control of premises is justified in using physical force upon another person when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes it necessary to prevent or terminate what the person reasonably believes to be the commission or attempted commission of a criminal trespass by the other person in or upon the premises.

(2) A person may use deadly physical force under the circumstances set forth in subsection (1) of this section only:

(a) In defense of a person as provided in ORS 161.219; or

(b) When the person reasonably believes it necessary to prevent the commission of arson or a felony by force and violence by the trespasser.

(3) As used in subsection (1) and subsection (2)(a) of this section, “premises” includes any building as defined in ORS 164.205 and any real property. As used in subsection (2)(b) of this section, “premises” includes any building. [1971 c.743 §25]



161.229 Use of physical force in defense of property. A person is justified in using physical force, other than deadly physical force, upon another person when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes it to be necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission by the other person of theft or criminal mischief of property. [1971 c.743 §26]​

 

[mommissan]

They are young boys. If they are going to snoop, they will do it, permission or not. Parents can tell them to stop, but it just tempts them that much more. I would approach them next time and welcome them to learn a little about them. I'd even show them a few and give them an egg to keep. At least show them some kindness and put a "face" on your birds. It can't hurt. Ever tell an 8 year old to NOT do something?

 

[KIDDSBANTAMS]

Bear Foot's post is a little miss guided. The statement was point an unloaded gun at them. The quoted law is refering to the physical act of. In other words one would have to take action of deadly force for this to be applicable.
However I agree with Bear Foot, never point a gun (which you must alway treat as loaded) at a human.
I have worked with lots of boys over the years as a RR commander and they get very curious and adverturesome at that age, then at 12-13 they go brain dead when common sence is needed and re-awaken at about 17-19 to the real world.
Make an authoritative (sp) awakening to there sneeking through the woods( much fun for the boys) and then let them know with proper approach they are welcome to get permission to come see them and hold the chicks and other such stuff. They will become your allies should other pest( kid or not) become an issue.

That's my opinion and is not binding to anyone what so ever.

 

[bakerjw]

Get a game camera or some other form of surveillance. Three boys together sneaking around are probably bored and will eventually cause some mischief. If anything were to happen then having some evidence would certainly come in handy.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

I gotta agree, pointing a gun at someone is a very bad idea..it sets a poor example too. (I think the other poster explained it all pretty well)
remember, it takes a village to raise a child. Something alot have forgotten, but there's no reason you can't find out what those kids are up to without being the pain that has the chickens...theres no reason they shouldn't know that eyes are watching them even when they assumed they weren't. Odds are, if they got hurt on your property youd get sued anyway.