My coop keeps getting wrecked.

[joannadale]

Now, for the third time since I moved into my new place, my chicken coop wire has been cut full length on purpose!! I have no idea why and I'm so angry. Last time I replaced it with heavy duty fence wire, you know the stuff I mean? Still they came back and cut again. If I knew the hens would be safe I'd electrocute the darn things. Any ideas?

Joanna

http://www.gardencottageblog.ruqqa.com

 

[willowcol]

Maybe a camera on motion sensor to catch whoever is doing it and sue them. Or if you could pretend your not home and keep watch and try to catch them in the act and video it while calling the cops. If you can catch them I would have thier butts charged and sue for the cost of replacing the wire for each time.

 

[CARS]

That sucks. I like the idea of electrocuting them, but you would end up sued (and/or have fried chicken

).

DVR camera systems are getting cheaper all the time. Report it to the police every time and maybe they will set something up since it is a repeat offender?

 

[swampwander]

Wow - that really stinks!! What are your tresspassing laws like there (I read your blog)?? Do you have to post your property before you can take action or can you just take action?? How about motion activated sprinklers and game camaras outside the coop until you can take greater action??

 

[fasbendera]

Post a sign that says you have installed a camera to prevent vanalism. You can buy knock offs that look real. Install a motion sensor light if possible. Or buy a trail camera. You'll have to put it where they can't take it or get one that transmits the photos to your computer if they do take it.

 

[patandchickens]

If your chickens are legal, I'd report it to the police as vandalism.

Also look into getting a videocamera pointed at it, with a motion-sensor light in the yard.

If (or in this case, "since") someone clearly does not want your chickens around, there is not too much you can do to PEOPLe-proof your coop, other than try to catch/film them in the act.

Sorry you're having to go through this, good luck,

Pat

 

[Ridgerunner]

If your chickens are legal, definitely file a police report. That gets it on record and protects you somewhat in any legal action. The police may do something about it or may not, and may have some good advise.

I'd tell my neighbors what is going on. They may have seen something but it cannot hurt anyway. Maybe telling them why the police were there could be effective if word gets around.

Does this happen at night? If so, a camera would not work well without lights. Maybe installing lights so they cannot cowardly sneak around in the dark would stop them. Depending on how it is set up, lights might disturb your chickens. Something to think about. I like the idea of a motion detector with lights myself but it may disturb your chickens and a stray dog, a raccoon, anything could set it off.

If your property is accommodating, you might rig up a monofilament fishing line six to twelve inches off the ground and a coupe of feet back from the fence where they will trip it and disturb a bag of tin cans or something else that will really rattle. I'm not a lawyer but I'd keep everything on my property. A deer, dog or anything else might set it off. And any booby trap like this must not be able to harm anyone, especially children.

A camera is expensive, will require light, and must be put where it cannot be removed. And from a friends experience, point it at your property or public property. Do not point it at anyone's private property or in a way that could invade someone else's privacy.

Just some rambling thoughts. You do have my sympathy.

 

[conny63malies]

Can you get some geese as guards? THey will alarm you on everything thats going on in their backyard.You still can set up a electric fence around your coop. Or how about a livestock guard dog with a invisible fence system set up around your coops. THe dog looks like he is loose can walk freely within his invisible fence and can chase of any intruders.

 

[joannadale]

I forgot all about this thread and have to let you know I'm back at my wonderful cottage again. Just to fill you in after all your helpful suggestions before I raced back to England to nurse my sick dad I was up on the barn roof and spotted my handyman's girlfriend with cutters in hand just about to do the deed again. Who said all Kiwis are friendly?! ...
and jealousy seems to have no bounds eh? ... even if it is all in the mind.

Joanna

http://gardencottageblog.ruqqa.com

 

[CluckySam]

OMG, I would be FURIOUS!!!!!

I hope that you set her straight! And gave her a bill for the damage! At least you know who was responsible now...