About 2 months ago, somebody dumped a small red hen in my neighborhood. She set up residence in one yard next to a busy street, perching in a bush in the front yard at night, and nobody claims ownership/responsibility for her.
I, personally, am willing to catch her and put her with my girls, since I have seen - and have had more reports of - her nearly getting hit by a car on the street next to the one yard, and that's entirely besides the threat of cats, dogs, and racoons in the neighborhood.
I spoke to the woman who owns the yard, and she was quite hostile to the idea of catching the hen and putting her in even a chicken tractor, saying that the hen is faster than any cat, dog, or car. She clearly feels responsibility or fondness for the bird, but will not take the extra step and do what good owners do. The near-misses with cars have been numerous, and several other neighbors who know I keep hens have expressed concern.
To catch the hen, I'd have to go onto the woman's front yard at night with a flashlight, blind the hen with the light, grab her and get her under my arm to silence her, and get away before the neighbor could come out and see me. That, technically, would be trespassing. The hen cannot be approached during the day - you can't get within 20 feet of her, even with grain.
Another neighbor has suggested calling Animal Control. I have a pretty good idea what will happen to the bird if they come out.
Suggestions?
I, personally, am willing to catch her and put her with my girls, since I have seen - and have had more reports of - her nearly getting hit by a car on the street next to the one yard, and that's entirely besides the threat of cats, dogs, and racoons in the neighborhood.
I spoke to the woman who owns the yard, and she was quite hostile to the idea of catching the hen and putting her in even a chicken tractor, saying that the hen is faster than any cat, dog, or car. She clearly feels responsibility or fondness for the bird, but will not take the extra step and do what good owners do. The near-misses with cars have been numerous, and several other neighbors who know I keep hens have expressed concern.
To catch the hen, I'd have to go onto the woman's front yard at night with a flashlight, blind the hen with the light, grab her and get her under my arm to silence her, and get away before the neighbor could come out and see me. That, technically, would be trespassing. The hen cannot be approached during the day - you can't get within 20 feet of her, even with grain.
Another neighbor has suggested calling Animal Control. I have a pretty good idea what will happen to the bird if they come out.
Suggestions?
