Candid game cam pix: and the life of my chickens

[Tala]

An interesting little tidbit of information, that is pertinent to kids running amuck unsupervised, is that in this neighborhood there are at least 4 registered sex offenders. The kind of parents that let their kids run around unsupervised with THAT in mind, well........lets just say that one mean roo is not the worst thing that could happen to them, but the parents don't seem too concerned.

 

[lovinlife]

Is there any way you can run a fence along the road side of your property? That would deter the 2-legged intruders. The dogs could still go around and any people who want to go out of their way. But the people who are entering your property from the road on the driveway would be deterred if there were a fence and gate there.

 

[Tala]

Quote:
The metal laying on the ground in the pictures is supposed to be a gate. My FIL is building it. He has very redneck ways, obviously. They have a fence made of wood posts and tin sheets laid sideways, except no gates on the driveways.

 

[BigDaddy'sGurl]

I agree with a couple of people here: and i also recant a little of my earlier thoughts. The idea that maybe Tala SHOULDN'T let the parents know about the cameras is probably best. Upon thinking about it, that can be used as leverage if it ever does go to court; if the parents don't know about the cam, the kids don't either so you have proof if they show back up after you ask them not to trespass.

On another note, I do agree that, no offense, the CPS comments and calling the kids "delinquents" is maybe harsh. You believe their parents stole the trap. Blame them. The parents are the ones who need to know their kids are trespassing. The kids are not bad kids from what I saw on the pictures. There were no roosters in sight so no proof they were chasing chickens. They were being kids and exploring. They need to be told to stay away and so do the parents. You said they were not nice neighbors. Have you personally ever spoken to them? Again, no offense, but it seems like you are letting your in-laws do a lot of the work with the neighbors, and while I do understand that your birds are at their property, if you are concerned about the welfare of your birds, you should probably take the initiative to make sure the protection of them is in your hands.

So far as the CPS stuff goes, those kids seem well-fed, well-clothed, are riding bikes and aren't missing limbs. They are KIDS. I played outside when I was little, and I would wager a bet you did too. To punish their parents for letting their kids do what we should all encourage more (ride bikes and play outside instead of video games and TV) is abhorrent to me. These children aren't neglected, they are children with parents who let them play like I wish mine wanted to more.

You seem to be taking your frustration with the situation out on the children who can't be expected to make rational decisions. BLAME THE PARENTS. Send your letter I recommended earlier if you won't go for a face to face, use the potential danger of the debris OR the roosters but make it clear that there is to be no trespassing. Check your cameras and record any visits and go from there with police.

 

[BigDaddy'sGurl]

sorry double post

 

[Tala]

BigDaddy'sGurl :

You said they were not nice neighbors. Have you personally ever spoken to them? Again, no offense, but it seems like you are letting your in-laws do a lot of the work with the neighbors, and while I do understand that your birds are at their property, if you are concerned about the welfare of your birds, you should probably take the initiative to make sure the protection of them is in your hands.

Yes, I've delivered pizza to a woman who lives in one of the two trailers. SOMEONE from down there at that end of the street threatened me one time when I was there getting eggs. I have no desire to speak with them again.
If you read one of my other posts, it is possible that I may have to move in with my mom and my chickens can come with me. While it is very bad the situation with my mom, it's better for my birds. If that were not hanging over my head, I'd be looking for a new place to buy where I can have my birds in my own yard again.

You seem upset by my use of the word "delinquents" Sorry if that offends you, but I call it like I see it. If you knew the parents/relatives/friends aka the adult people who frequently come and go from those two trailers, well you'd know that I expect nothing more of the kids except for them to turn into copies of their family role models. Sorry if my expectations are too low for your liking, but you'd just have to see what I'm seeing.

 

[rufus]

As to the dog problem, we used to leave out a very dead animal, skunk is best. No dog can resist the temptation to roll in it. Hopefully, it make it to their new sofa before the problem is detected. After they bathe their dog a couple of times, they will tie it up.

As to the problem of the kids, remind the parents that the property where you are keeping your chickens is very dangerous. They need to make sure their kids avoid it. It should be posted "No Trespassing." You have there an attractive nuisance and a potential law suit.

Sadly, it seems dogs and kids always have owners and parents that don't deserve them.

Rufus

 

[BigDaddy'sGurl]

I think you are wrong for calling them delinquents when they are children and their parents are your problem. My mother is an alcoholic. I am not an alcoholic. If you judged me by my mothers' actions when I was growing up, I have no doubt I would be considered a "delinquent" by you as well. Yes, I do find stereotyping children by their parents' actions to be offensive. But, if it doesn't make you feel bad, it shouldn't me. I guess being that I have children, maybe my heart goes out to those unfairly judged and mislabelled due to their parents.

I gave you my advice and if you want to take it, fine. I still think you should be the adult person and make contact with the "delinquents" who are causing you such problem instead of ignoring everything people are recommending you do in favor of arguing about the character of CHILDREN. If you want to solve your problem then begin the process to do so. I am truly not trying to be offensive but you struck a chord by being so negative about children when we are all just trying to give you suggestions.

 

[chickenzoo]

I think you will have less problems once hubby finishes the gates.... then I'd hotwire the fence... hehe

 

[Kaceyx73]

I also live in an area where its quite common to deal with people, usually teenagers roaming through peoples yards looking for short cuts. I have even come home to find someone in the backyard at night, to see them quicken their pace at the sound of my slide being racked and a potent flashlight shining on them. If you were to hear me ranting about these kids shortly after you probably wouldn't be too happy with my speech either. We are all capable of referring to kids and people with malice and hatred, especially if your local LEO's don't seem very interested in dealing with such problems.

A couple of points:
1) Do let the parents know that you have caught the kids on your property, and that any further incursions will result in a police matter. Don't mention the camera. Do use certified mail. This is your responsibility as a citizen.
2) Any dogs that can be identified should have their owners notified as well. Laws differ around the country, so check your local laws concerning nuisance animals and varmints. Here in SC, you can kill a dog just for walking on your property. The police will suggest you not do that, and rightly so, unless it acts in an aggressive manner or becomes a threat to you or your pets. Do remember that you are responsible for where a bullet goes afterwards as well. Where I live, there are plenty of semi-feral dogs that I would love to take care of, but I don't have many good shooting lanes. A dog, or any other animal harassing my food supply will be dealt with harshly. That comes from someone that will also take in a pooch, even a pit bull, that is friendly and managed to escape. I've done that several times, and found the owners, or called the pound if I couldn't. I say that so you don't think I'm some idiot looking for something to shoot. I'm not, but I will protect me and mine.
3) Any further incursions you should notify LE and provide them with copies of your certified letters and pictures showing the trespass. Demand they discuss it with the offenders, and even if they do nothing that time, demand they provide you with a police report. If you ask, THEY HAVE TO GIVE YOU ONE. This is your proof that you have already done your part, and if anything further happens, they must deal with it.
4) I agree that CPS should only be called if you feel the children are being abused, or are being left alone for many hours at a time. CPS is an absolute nightmare. I would rather give the parents a beat down myself than call those goons out. Using an agency with that kind of record as a means of punishing parents for letting them wander your property is well, I shouldn't say.

Back to the thread, those are great pics. Keep 'em coming. That BCM rooster is gorgeous, and the pic off them fighting through the fence is priceless.

Oh, and the pics of you in your Papa John's uniform were the first I really noticed. I spent more than 7 years delivering for 3 different million dollar a year Papa John's. I made good money at one, pitiful at the second and moved on to the franchise's crown jewel making fantastic money at the third in McMansion heaven. Just imagine delivering for 7-10 miles in any direction to nothing but new subdivision after McMansion subdivision. A $1.5million a year store out of the side of a gas station....

Too bad we didn't have many cute girls delivering with us.