I would have gotten mad and probably hit someone. I almost yelled at someone for saying that chickens were dumb but ducks were smart. I have plenty of proof my chooks have a personality and that they are smart.
Chickens may not be able to write with a pen, but they are smarter. They know better than to go around saying mean things.
And beating the chooks with a bat until they die? I think you should report them for animal cruelty.
Being a boy, I know we love to tease. If they hate you they may be just lying. Then again, I'd have to hear them to know for certain. I would bet they are mean to their chickens from the sound of it.
I'm glad you're here on BYC. I like it here because no one will tell me I am dumb because of having chickens. Nooo, they say I am dumb because I believe I have 23, but they apply chicken math and say I have zero.