How do I protect my chickens from human predators?

[sandypaws]

call the police... call the police.. CALL THE POLICE!!!!!!
also call animal control.. it could be happening to other peoples pets too..
buy a gun.. learn how to use it...just in case..
even a PAINT GUN......
GET PICTURES!!!!! if they come back walk right up to them and take as many photos as you can,, and make sure they see you taking pictures.. when you develope them get doubles,KEEP one set, give the others to the police..
get a big dog....
put barb wire or hot fence up....

 

[BeckyLa]

He is living with his sister temporarily

You might also want to track down his sister and let her know what he's doing when she's not there. She might make him move when she finds out he's causing problems.​

 

[RockRidge]

Welcome to BYC & I hope that something is done about the creepy guy & the kids. So disturbing to read about parents not thinking its a big deal.

 

[EliteTempleton]

Quote:
Except he might take advantage of the hedges as an area to hide in out of the neighbors view with no angry dog to contend with. Also, he already know's there are birds there.

As far as an alarm/alert system consider this.

 

[goobhen]

The security measures listed in other post are great, but please also keep a log. Get a daily planner and document your conversations with both the kids and their parents. Also document your conversation with the 20 year old. This way if you have more problems you can use the information that you have recorded. I think the others are right, this man is not right. His actions with your chickens is the same way it started with several serial killers.... I will keep you and your family in my prayers, Theresa

 

[cluckychick]

Quote:
My husband did that one night and went to jail for assault with a deadly weapon.

We live outside the city limits where discharging a firearm is not illegal but the perpetrators told the police he was trying to shoot out their tires, which he wasn't.

 

[JennsPeeps]

Psychopaths start hurting animals first. They get a thrill from it, which eventually disappates and they move to larger prey. I would NOT trust someone like this.

1. Police should be involved. It doesn't matter if this is a chicken, a dog, a horse, or jewelry: your property was stolen and someone trespassed in your yard. Stick to it and insist that the police file an actual report. This person should be watched closely and should NEVER get on your property again.

2. Get a restraining order, if you can.

3. Document the investment of time and money in your birds. He must reimburse you for the loss of your bird.

4. Lock your chickens up. Yes, it's a pain but if you're serious about protecting your birds (and you surely are or you wouldn't have posted), it's your responsibilty to keep them safe.

This guy is a menace. I'd carry mace and be trained how to use it if needed.

 

[EliteTempleton]

Quote:
Pepper spray is better, this is one of those things I learned the hard way.

Dang dog anyway...

 

[4 Love of Baby Chickens]

Oh my goodness!!!!! Do as the others say!!! I hope your hen is alright. Get a German Shepard. One of the best dogs that I know of to guard their family and property. I've been studying about them the past few months. Also

 

[Bullwinkle]

Hi Olga:

I would file a police report as soon as possible. If something more violent or extreme were to happen you want to make sure you have a paper trail with the police to prove that you attempted legally to deal with the situation.

I'm guessing some of the other posters are joking(?) but just in case: I know we all love our animals but after many hours of studying CCW/Gun laws, I do not believe that the 'Castle' doctrine would cover firing a gun at someone outside of your house trying to steal a Chicken (even if it is a pet). If you fire a gun with buckshot at someone who is not at that moment threatening You or your families life, you will likely spend some time in Jail. If you actually kill someone who is not threatening you or your (human) family (and they are outside of your house) you likely will be charged with murder.

I would suggest the alternatives that have been offered: pepper spray, camera's, and alarms. I would also suggest that if you are going out to investigate an alarm be sure to have your cell phone with you incase you need to call 911.

What would I do? File a report, get a camera and an alarm. I also carry concealed (and in some states you can open carry) and would have my hand gun with me while checking on an alarm (maybe in a tense situation with my hand resting on the holstered gun, but not 'brandishing - holding it in your hand) unless you are really in fear for your life. If you shoot someone (even if in self-defense) there is a good chance you may be prosecuted. If you tell the police (or jury) that you were carrying the gun in your hand it looks as if you are itching... wanting to shoot. (or if the perp who is trying to steal your chickens could lie and say you pulled it on him and threatened him... if it is holstered he cannot easily identify it to 'prove' you threatened him to the police). If you have it in a holster and have to pull it to protect yourself it looks much better to a potential jury.

Last, but not least I would say that each state is has differences in their gun laws. Do what you can to protect yourself and your family... but be smart about it.