My poor Lamp

[aart]

I think he could have been thrown over the fence (they've done that before with birds they've killed). Two days ago, they had one of MY roos locked in their coop/pen. He's the baby of a cornish x so he couldn't have flown over there.

He was stiff, completely stiff, but under his feathers he was still somewhere between 65-75°, not stark cold. He was definitely warmer than the 50° it was outside.

Another odd happening was those kids were looking around my yard where he was, last night, while harassing my other roo with a remote control helicopter.

I just find it very odd that a hawk could swoop in and none of the other 11 roosters made a sound (and the hawk completely disregarded the birds he could catch and eat).

That there is something to address....sounds like a neighbor war for sure....best of luck to you.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It is sad no matter how he died, if you are concerned about the neighbors it's best to keep you chickens confined well and locked tight to prevent such things, unfortunately you will never know how he died without some better clues.

 

[hotmessJess]

That there is something to address....sounds like a neighbor war for sure....best of luck to you.

I'm trying to bide my time; they should be moving in the spring. Their children are so cruel that they've even turned my sweetest rooster into a child hater. I caught their 5yr old kicking him, which is especially cruel because he has a spinal injury from their dog that makes him unable to run away or defend himself properly. He now flogs (to the best of his ability) anybody in the yard under 4'5". *he actually just flogged me when I was shaking the food can, while in the process of writing this*

 

[hotmessJess]

It is sad no matter how he died, if you are concerned about the neighbors it's best to keep you chickens confined well and locked tight to prevent such things, unfortunately you will never know how he died without some better clues.

I really don't know how to neighbor-child proof my chickens, too be honest. The kids are home schooled and are outside creating chaos before the sun. I'm just worried I'm going to lose my composure and say some words these kids have never heard if I catch them red handed with my birds!

 

[aart]

Quote: Maybe a secure coop and run is in order....have you spoken to the parents at all?

 

[hotmessJess]

The parents are totally flighty and don't care. Their dog got a good bit of my flock in June. They keep this high spirited dog "contained" by an invisible fence system. They promised to be more vigilant, but she's been loose in my yard several times since.

The mother is sanctimonious and doesn't see her kids are psychopaths. So they know I have concerns, but won't properly address them. I've tried to be neighborly, and I love (most) kids, but the only thing that will change anything is when these folks GO!

 

[aart]

Do you own your home?
Some fencing might be in order....along with a secure coop and run for the birds....and a report to the local police.
I'd be keeping a written record of all incidents and photos/video if you can get them.

 

[bobbi-j]

Aart had a good suggestion in a secure coop and run. You apparently don't have a fence between the two yards if your chickens are somehow ending up in their yard and their kids and dog can get to your flock. I'd be thinking about that if I didn't know for sure that they'd be moving. Regardless of how rotten the kids are, it's your responsibility to protect your flock. As to how your rooster died, I would not confront the neighbor without proof. Sounds like neighborly relations aren't that great anyway. No sense in making them worse at this point.

 

[bobbi-j]

Do you own your home?
Some fencing might be in order....along with a secure coop and run for the birds....and a report to the local police.
I'd be keeping a written record of all incidents and photos/video if you can get them.

Yep! A good fence and photographic evidence. Otherwise it's just "He said, she said" between the neighbors with no proof either way.

 

[coobreeze9]

I'd get a cheap hunting/deer camera. Just in case this issue ends up in court, that way you have proof of the neighbors dog and/or kids harming your birds.