Neighbor threatening to "take out my roosters"

[oldrooster]

Too bad he is so evil, there are good wonderful people dieing every day, it is sad they die and he still draws breath....

 

[Crafty-Duck]

Good for you!!! it's your property and you should have what you want!!!! I personally love the sound of roosters

 

[Cotton42]

Thanks for the update! I feel so sorry for the poor wife.

Hope she gets rid of him someday and gets to have a garden.

 

[makemineirish]

I have finally finished reading everything

. Many of my suggestions are not original, but I hoped that it might still be helpful to consolidate them and proffer the logic for others in a similar situation. All of the suggestions regarding "moon-bushes", unsightly barricades, kitty-napping, gated community brochures, hog farming, guinea keeping, and gun theatrics are entertaining. I hope that everyone perceives them as comedic fantasies, not credible options.

It sounds like you have a case of crotchety-old-tyrant on your hands. We all run into them from time to time as neighbors, colleagues, or family members (shuddering). Nothing can be gained by deliberately escalating the situation. It is petty and juvenile (even if it IS fun to watch him turn beet-red and sputter

). In any altercation, the best thing to do is be civil, firm, consistent, and plan for the worst-case scenario.


Specific Suggestions:

• Keep a dated log of your exchanges with the neighbor as they occur.
• Install and familiarize yourself with an audio recording app on your phone so that you can quickly activate it anytime your neighbor summons you over for a discussion.
• Even better, is if you can ask/tell your neighbor to email his complaints and/or suggestions to you. This allows you to respond by email and have a legal, accurate, and time-stamped log of your exchanges.
• Make every effort to be considerate, accommodating, and generous to your OTHER neighbors. Should there ever be an occasion involving authority questions or witness testimony, their glowing accolades will paint a stark contrast to Mr. Crotchety's depiction of you.
• Be courteous and engaging to Mr.Crotchety's spouse. While she probably will not side against him at home, her perception of you may very well color how she speaks to anyone else that interviews her.
• Courteous and engaging is also the game plan for any authority send to your home. Save the SCRAPS report and and subsequent paperwork generated by your neighbor's actions.
• Install a camera to provide you with tangible proof should Mr. Crotchety actually damage your property or animals.
• Take photos of his cats damaging your flowerbeds...or anything else that you do not care to make an issue of, but might add to your defense arsenal.
• Add a copy of the property survey to your files with notes depicting the location of your garden, coop, and other "objectionable" farming practices.
• Include the lovely photos of your animals, housing, and property.

ALL of the suggestions are part and parcel of the same key objective: to create a tangible trail of evidence. Remaining civil is important so as not to taint the validity of your own position. If your neighbor becomes frustrated after his failed SCRAPS report and gives up, fantastic. The only real cost to you is a bit of time and the some space on your hard drive. However, if he continues to be problematic...
You have a clear depiction of habitual abuse. You do not want to find yourself in an impotent position if Mr.Crotchety escalates in his harassment to you or yours. Taking some proactive steps now ensures that heavy fines, restraining orders, and criminal charges will be options if absolutely necessary.

As it pertains to your difficulty dealing with conflict, try to think of him as a troublesome dog, fractious horse, or (more aptly) vicious little cock that requires training. Be calm, firm, and consistent in your behavior (refusing to submit to his attempts to overpower you in the hierarchy). Feel free to walk away if he raised his voice or uses inappropriate language towards you. At the same time, smile and explain your reasoning clearly if he COURTEOUSLY questions how or why you do something. It sounds as if some of his ire stems from ignorance of the how and why of farming practices.

In the meantime, keep wearing your headphones and enjoying your land.

Good Luck

 

[SunnySkies]

Maybe invite HER to come garden with you? Poor lady. She should have a garden if she wants one.

I'd ignore the ignorant comments. He just might like to complain.

 

[Eggsoteric]

I'm thinking your pastures could use the benefit of some "liquid" manure, don't you? *Wink, wink, nudge, nudge*

 

[Moonkit]

I still like my idea of that if he wants to mow your fields so that they're gold course perfect.. tell him he's free to.. as long as he also agrees to begin buying premium quality hay for your horses and paying for delivery. Hay prices with shipping should shut him up fast.

 

[Kiniska]

Hope all this got fixed. Never easy dealing with difficult neighbors. Good luck!