How do I protect my chickens from human predators?

[amazondoc]

Quote:
Good for you!!

 

[SullyCarter]

I'm not sure where you live, but check your state's Megan's Law website. You type in your address and you will find sex offenders nearby with photos, their address as well as what they were charged for.

You should definitely take the advice above but also maybe you could grow a nice tall hedge by your gate so there is no way he could even look into your yard.

The cameras, wire, etc. all sound like good ideas, also if you have a neighborhood watch or homeowners association you could discuss the issue with them.

By the way,

 

[SullyCarter]

Quote:
Good for you!!

SWWWEEEEEEEET. you showed him.

 

[FrChuckW]

First of all, Welcome to BYC! Secondly, sorry to hear about this.

The security cameras and other devices are an excellent suggestion.

Wifezilla makes an excellent point about the Castle Law. Check and see if your state has such a law. Also filing a complaint with the police, as well as your local District Attorney, may focus some unwanted attention on this person.

I agree with the fact that a 20 year old has no business hanging with 10-12 year olds. Notify your local Child Protective Services Agency about this situation. If this particular family is a source of trouble in the neighborhood, they may already have a case file on them. Some states have enacted state wide Sex Offender Registries. Check into that as well. However if he was convicted of an offense as a juvenile, most likely his records will be sealed unless he was tried as an adult. If the local city cops won't do anything, contact the county sheriff's office and the state police. Express your concerns about the 20 year old.

As to getting a dog, you have to be careful, as stated that they are livestock friendly, but you also want them to be protective of the family as well. But at the same time you don't want to have one that tries to kill invited guests. You may also have to consider the fact that certain breeds will increase your home owner's insurance.

Building a well secured run may be your option for the time being until things get resolved. Getting the neighbors involved is a great idea. You can also check to see if the problem neighbors are renters or actual homeowners. If they are renters, then contact the actual property owner about your concerns along with your neighbors. He may evict them if he gets enough complaints or a few citations from the local government.

Also check and see if your community has a nuisance law on the books. Here in Louisville, we have such a law. If a certain address has a record of 3 or more offenses involving anything from domestic violence to illegal activities, then the city can take possession of the property and board it up, and auction it off. This was enacted to help cut down on crime, supposedly.

Good Luck

 

[Olga]

Thank you so much for the replies everyone, some very good advice here. We do have motion sensor lights but not alarms, we will get that set up today.

We actually ended up tracking down the 20 something year old. I was there for the conversation, and it was odd to say the least. He is living with his sister temporarily, doesn't have a job, and he kept saying that he was' trustworthy' because his sister leaves him alone with her kids 'all the time'. He also said, direct quote that "all those little black kids are lying about me". It was really weird, because we didn't bring up the kids really, we told him to stay away from our house and our birds, it was like he was having a different conversation then we were. I am definitely worried about the kids he is hanging around with but I don't know what to do. We talked to all of their parents and no one seems to care.

I did check the sex offender registry, but I only know his first name, so I went through all the Tims. Couldn't find him, in this area, but I doubt he lists his sister as his address.

We will file a police report today. We actually had to call them a month ago about one of these kids shooting a BB gun at our neighbors car. It seemed like we were bothering them when they came out, which is why we hesitated to call for the birds, but you all are right we should.

Edit: Just read the post above me, very good idea, I will look into the laws and hopefully find something applicable

 

[crazyhen]

The chickens are real property aren't they? That is theft if he steals them right? File that police report but also be sure to educate yourself first. Jean PS isn't that animal cruelty? Report him to the humane society in your area too.

 

[chickmamawannabe]

Is there an SPCA where you live? It doesn't sound like you're getting much help from the police, but perhaps you would be able to get him charged with animal abuse. You would probably have to find a vet willing to examine your chicken to see if they could find any evidence of torture.

 

[Hackles]

I think we have something like the castle law here in florida, the 12 gauge and a shell full of rock salt aimed at their rear end's is the best way to rid yourself of unwanted visitors.

 

[imfowl]

Take the pellets out of a shotgun shell and refill it with rock salt. Aim at buttocks of chicken torturer. pull trigger. The next time use buckshot. Works every time.

 

[Hackles]

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we think alike Imfowl!