Neighbor's Chickens Trying to Join My Flock

[benevolent_leonela]

Bless your sweet heart! I sincerely hope you can get to the bottom of this issue where both humans and chickens are happy and the chickens get fed more! I too am a big sap and care deeply about animals of all types of I know a creature is in distress or not living the life they should it bags at my conscious non stop! I would encourage you to approach the subject politely but firm. I am a person who isn't good at being confrontational, I hate confrontation, I hate strife or rocking the boat. But there are few things I will really get passionate and speak up about and the treatment/well being of animals is one of them.

I wish you so much luck and I hope your neighbors chickens can get the life they deserve. Ugh, makes me so upset! Let us know how it goes!

 

[Byrd gal]

This explains why a few of them end up eating more food than all 8 of mine eat in a half a day--in just one sitting. Lately I'll let them go to town for ten minutes, come in, and see they've all but depleted what the rations for my entire flock's day. Needless to say my runs to TSC are becoming more frequent...

Is there a rescue in your area you can maybe network some resources? Don't rat them out just explain the spot you are in. You have nothing to loose by asking around.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Have they had them long? Maybe they aren't chicken people and would let you adopt them since you are already feeding them?

They are going on a year this May, I believe. I fantasize about adopting at least the few I've really bonded with, but the hard reality is that our coop/run is at capacity, and we aren't in a place where we could add infrastructure anytime soon. It's sad because some of them are so obviously trying to one with our flock.

Also, I don't think they'd relent because of the pride thing. They're good people and I do believe they like their flock, but they really don't like being confronted about things that suggest they're doing something wrong. (Had a bit of a hard time trying to let them know about the bullying and not keeping the turkeys penned with the chickens... and still having a hard time about ventilation--I think if they hear me say that word one more time they'll explode lol).

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Bless your sweet heart! I sincerely hope you can get to the bottom of this issue where both humans and chickens are happy and the chickens get fed more! I too am a big sap and care deeply about animals of all types of I know a creature is in distress or not living the life they should it bags at my conscious non stop! I would encourage you to approach the subject politely but firm. I am a person who isn't good at being confrontational, I hate confrontation, I hate strife or rocking the boat. But there are few things I will really get passionate and speak up about and the treatment/well being of animals is one of them.

I wish you so much luck and I hope your neighbors chickens can get the life they deserve. Ugh, makes me so upset! Let us know how it goes!

Thank you for this thoughtful post. It helps me feel less crazy and alone about this--and I applaud your compassion for animals (and how it outweighs social discomfort!). I know if I were a bit tougher I could deal with this in a more straightforward, efficient way, but I am crippled by confrontation or the idea of making someone feel bad things. I feel like any time I offer them chicken advice I immediately sounds soap boxy

I plan to approach them politely/warmly while also being extremely clear about what's going on. Just deciding on a text vs. talking in-person. I'll keep you/everyone posted.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Is there a rescue in your area you can maybe network some resources? Don't rat them out just explain the spot you are in. You have nothing to loose by asking around.

That's a good idea. I'll have to poke around. I'm a member of an active facebook group called Virginia Backyard Chickens, but not sure if that's a good starting place due to lack of anonymity.

Beyond that I know a few fellow chicken keepers here that might have some insights. Thanks for all of your help with this--I appreciate all your posts!

 

[Geckolady]

Starving animals doesn't toughen them up, it weakens them and it's animal cruelty! I'd film the chickens' desperate attempts to get food, then go over to the neighbor to show them a video of their chickens. Maybe if they could see the desperation themselves, it might wake them up.

 

[WindingRoad]

That's a good idea. I'll have to poke around. I'm a member of an active facebook group called Virginia Backyard Chickens, but not sure if that's a good starting place due to lack of anonymity.

Beyond that I know a few fellow chicken keepers here that might have some insights. Thanks for all of your help with this--I appreciate all your posts!

 

[WindingRoad]

Plan B. After you've "talked" to them and told them the next time their chickens come over you'll call Animal Control to pick them up as they would a dog or cat. And then run for the high country. Good luck either way.

 

[Halfpasthen]

Honestly I'm really not interested in having "tough conversations" that could sour a neighborly relationship. On the other hand the behavior of the chickens would annoy me. Personally I think I'd just go with the path of least resistance and leave feed out near the property line. I wouldn't be splurging on good food either lol. But if you can afford a bag of cheap feed and it keeps the peace between your neighbors and the hens I would go that way. I realize this would not be for everyone. But I just personally wouldn't cause a stink over this.

 

[kcan2]

I think your thread title says it best: neighbor's chickens trying to join your flock...that's all you have to say.

"Your chickens are trying to join my flock, and it's becoming a problem to my flock."

Then be quiet and let them talk. If they don't offer a solution, ask them for a solution.

See what they say as to a solution and then you'll know how to proceed.