Here we go again...a neighbor's rant

[roosterhavoc]

Most free ranging flocks are healthier then completely penned/cooped birds. I wouldn’t worry too much about them bringing disease to your birds especially if they aren’t living too long. From the land image the foxes are most likely living on your property. I take it you don’t want to catch the foxes?

 

[TwistedSteel]

A fence is your only real solution. Yes I have fenced 20 acres by myself before but there really isn`t any reason you have to fence it all is there?

 

[PirateGirl]

https://statelaws.findlaw.com/indiana-law/property-line-and-fence-laws-in-indiana.html

This was interesting... it sounds like if a fence divides neighboring agricultural land both parties are responsible for its construction and maintenance.

 

[Trish1974]

I take it you don’t want to catch the foxes?

I tired of that the first year the problem started. I was up almost every morning at the crack of dawn for 2 months trying to shoot the foxes as they were killing his flock (on my property). Its not that I don't want to - I shouldn't have to, as my flock is contained. Besides, more will just take its place.

 

[Trish1974]

Fencing is just not feasible. Even just to fence around the adjoining property line is too extensive. That would not solve the driveway issue anyway, as his flock also walks down the road and comes up my driveway.

He does have an electric fence between our properties. At first it was just set up for livestock, so the chickens walked under it. He then added a lower line, and they learned to walk down his driveway, to the road, and up my driveway. When that didn't work, he just let the weeds grow up in it and it doesn't work anymore since he no longer has any livestock.

 

[PirateGirl]

Fencing is just not feasible. Even just to fence around the adjoining property line is too extensive. That would not solve the driveway issue anyway, as his flock also walks down the road and comes up my driveway.

He does have an electric fence between our properties. At first it was just set up for livestock, so the chickens walked under it. He then added a lower line, and they learned to walk down his driveway, to the road, and up my driveway. When that didn't work, he just let the weeds grow up in it and it doesn't work anymore since he no longer has any livestock.

So there is an existing electric fence between the properties in need of some maintenance. It sounds as if helping to maintain this fence that is mutually beneficial may be a low cost way to help deter predators and help somewhat contain the chickens. Will this solve your problem 100%, no, it won't, but it will help. Some containment and some predator deterrent is better than none.

 

[KentuckyRooster]

Can you get a herding dog? They really love to do this sort of job. The birds would quit turning up if a dog herded them off.

 

[lilmillefleur]

I love neighbor rants

Oh my gosh I thought I was the only one! My favorite threads are the ones that involve crazy neighbors, the law and such...

 

[lilmillefleur]

When I first saw this thread, I said to myself, "oooh this is gonna be good!"
Unfortunate in your circumstance, though, of which I am sorry. I hope you can find a solution

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I'm going to start breeding rumpless araucanas!!Silver duckwings (although the cuckoo variety is tempting) to be exact. I am so excited!

That’s awesome! Are you getting your breeding stock from Ann Charles? I am going to get Araucanas from her when I have my own property.