Neighbor's Chickens Trying to Join My Flock

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

This sounds like abuse to me.Chickens without food,and filthy water?Just because chickens are "tough" or "hardy" is NO reason to keep them that way.Mine get FRESH water regularly throught the day,in large gallon buckets,so any dirt falls to the bottom,leaving clean water on top.They are also replenished with food throughout the day,so they never go hungry.No ventilation??What about the heat in summer? Chickens NEED LOTS of fresh,circulating air,drawn in,and the hot air DRAWN OUT to keep cool.I have no less than 6 large fans to do that,without causing a draft.Chickens cannot sweat,so they exhale the heat out,and their bones and feathers are hollow,which also helps get rid of heat.but they NEED circulating air.In winter I have 3ooo-5000 watt heaters to keep them warm,all insulated against drafts of cold air.Maybe thats why mine live an average of 10-15 years

Also: Kudos on your amazing care! I need to take notes! I tell my chickens every night before closing the coop door, "goodnight, sweet dreams, and whatever you do, don't go into the light!"

I pamper mine but a lack of electricity extended to their coop/run means I have to get very creative and hands-on (large fans over buckets of ice, increased ventilation, etc.). The thing is, and I try to preface my advice to the neighbors w/ this, so much of what I've learned is through mistakes. We learned the hard way about a lot, and I just want to do what I can to share the knowledge and prevent it from happening to others.

All the best to you and your healthy, happy flock! Why can't you be my neighbor, lol? I'd sleep so much easier.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

W

@buffy-the-eggpile-layer ,
You had 9 days to think it over. Every possible opinion has come by at least three times in this thread now. All with the best intentions of course. And it must be really hard for you to take a next step. Otherwise you would have already.

IMHO: It’s time to make a choice how to act NOW. My choice would be filming the chickens eating you’re feed and sending it in a WhatsApp to the neighbours. And don’t forget to mention that they steal you’re feed and you can’t afford it to feed two flocks. ‘Put the ball where it belongs.’
This really seems the best idea if you don’t want to go over for another dispute.

Another possibility to solve this if you let you’re husband or someone else who is firm but understanding to do the talking for you. Letting other people read this blog is not the best choice if you ask me.

You can also just wait until spring is really there, hoping there is enough food to scratch for the neighbors chickens. (But I doubt if there will be enough) This would give you a whole season to decide what to do next winter and maybe the problem goes away by itself by then.

Reporting animal abuse surely is a no go if you want to keep a friendly relationship.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do. I’am curious what you’re choice will be. But please do make a choice without further delay. And take into account that doing nothing is a choice too.

While I think the Spring has brought more goodies to the yard, I'm now equally concerned about the lack of ventilation. Anyway, please see my more recent posts for updates on the situation. I unfortunately need to keep things civil, because the endgame might be worth it for us and the chickens.

 

[kcan2]

This is my husband's approach. My concern is that they'll pen their girls back up, and the only silver lining to their situation is that they can be free ranging most of the time and only stuck in their horrible coop/pen situation nights/for shorter stretches.

Regardless, I'm glad there are people out there like you who are there to help even in a tough situation. It's certainly a seller's market out there be it that they are considering moving. Hoping for a positive resolution for you and the chickens! With all of your friendly "hints", perhaps they won't bother getting more chickens to neglect on the other end of their move.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Disheartening Update: My main concern now has been ventilation (or lack thereof) since food seems more abundant and those who have come over to eat here are looking healthy. I drummed up the courage to confront them about the ventilation situation today. It's so hot and humid out, and that shed sits in full sun without any ventilation beyond the small exit hole where chickens go in and out. Not to mention it is filled with heaps of chicken poop making heat and moisture.

I asked if they wanted me to pop open the shed door (chickens are free range anyway) to help get some fresh air in there for the broody girls and the neighbor literally replied "nah, they need to acclimate because it's only going to get hotter." I replied "okay, just checking. I know at least some degree of ventilation is a basic need for chickens, especially laying hens. And maybe it'd help get them laying their eggs in the coop again. Luckily it's going to be back to normal spring temps tomorrow." No response, which was assumed. I feel better in that I've said what I can, and been as clear as I can. I just have to try to get my mind off the girls frying in there. I know it's not my property so I can't venture up to check on them--but preventing myself from doing so is taking so much mental energy and stress. Wish those poor girls luck. We are still trying to play nice in hope of a move.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

can keeping chickens in a hot, ventless shed alone be grounds for neglect/animal control?

 

[topochico225]

can keeping chickens in a hot, ventless shed alone be grounds for neglect/animal control?

I believe so. Take a look at this: https://www.lawyers.com/legal-info/criminal/animal-law/animal-cruelty-laws-in-virginia.html

 

[topochico225]

can keeping chickens in a hot, ventless shed alone be grounds for neglect/animal control?

"A separate state law makes it a crime to abuse any animal in various ways, including:

• torture
• cruel and unnecessary beating, maiming, mutilating, or killing
• doing anything that causes serious injury or pain
• depriving an animal of necessary food, water, shelter, or emergency vet treatment; and
• transporting an animal in a way that results in unnecessary suffering."

 

[topochico225]

"A separate state law makes it a crime to abuse any animal in various ways, including:

• torture
• cruel and unnecessary beating, maiming, mutilating, or killing
• doing anything that causes serious injury or pain
• depriving an animal of necessary food, water, shelter, or emergency vet treatment; and
• transporting an animal in a way that results in unnecessary suffering."

"Virginia law spells out the kind of care that owners must provide for their pets (or “companion animals”), including:

• enough food and fresh water
• clean, proper shelter from the elements
• adequate space for the animal’s age, size, and species
• enough exercise, and
• veterinary care when it’s needed to prevent suffering or the spreading of a disease.

Pet neglect is generally a misdemeanor. However, you could be charged with felony if you maliciously deprived a companion animal of needed food, water, shelter, or emergency that treatment, and you had a recent previous conviction for similar neglect or other animal abuse. (Va. Code §§ 3.2-6503, 3.2-6570(B) (2019).)"

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

"A separate state law makes it a crime to abuse any animal in various ways, including:

• torture
• cruel and unnecessary beating, maiming, mutilating, or killing
• doing anything that causes serious injury or pain
• depriving an animal of necessary food, water, shelter, or emergency vet treatment; and
• transporting an animal in a way that results in unnecessary suffering."

Thank you. I'm torn on what to do because I know it'll be so obvious it was us. And we would like to buy their property should it go up (which they are thinking about and would likely happen this spring/summer). But the idea of those chickens suffering like that and their ignorance that "toughening" up their birds actually qualifies as neglect is making me crazy.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Also does livestock qualify as "pets"?