Oh my am I angry.

[frostbite]

You need proof of trespassing so that you can report them to the police. As for poison, just patrol your yard well before you turn everyone loose in the morning. A web cam would work, if you can borrow one from a friend? It might be necessary in such a close neighborhood. Obnoxious neighbors aren't the only ones that might consider someone else's chickens as a food source.

 

[vebyrd36]

BigDaddy'sGurl :

Thanks guys for the suggestions and support. I was so tired before this happened and ready for bed but now my blood is boiling and I can't think of sleep, lol. My DH has his golf club sitting by his recliner, the curtains on our sliding glass door open, and is ready to leap outside at the first hint of trespassers, lol. He also has the baby monitor sitting by his leg turned on. Just more stress to deal with I guess.

but thanks again for the understanding!

Trust me putting rock salt in Some ones buttocks is great deterrent. In all honestly the last time I shot my 9 mm was to save my life when I came home from working 18 hrs straight in ER to find a man coming at me with a 12 inch knife in my house. Needless to say I was pied off quickly. I gues cuz he thought she is a nurse she is a scared little girl nope wrong answer. Shot him in both legs and he is in the big house for 50 years.​

 

[KandiandJerry]

Quote:
X2

 

[thekid]

walmart sells a pretty good gam cam for less than 100

 

[boxermom]

Let law enforcement know. They can't really do anything yet, but start a paper trail. The more they know now, the better it will be in the long run.

 

[JD4570]

I can't say what I really think of the neighbor, I don't want to kill the thread. But around here we have no tolerance for any predators four legged or the two legged variety. Especially the two legged variety because they know better. If you want to give this guy a "jolt" of reality put up an electric fence with two strands an use a strong energizer unit but go ahead and put a lock on the coop. This makes me beyond angry.

 

[Darklingstorm]

I don't know what your setup is like but I would get a camera, a computer camera works but needs a light source. Adding a light pointing straight at the coop door will deter most unwanted activity. Definitely lock the coop too. When I was a kid someone came and poisoned my mom's chickens, we lost the whole flock, so it is definitely a serious thing to keep in mind. Lock your food up and make sure there is no water available to outsiders. If at all possible try very hard to catch them in the act, especially on film, this more than anything will put a major stop to anyone harming your chickens.

 

[LiLRedCV]

Quote:

I agree! The sooner you start that paper trail, the sooner it's on record and if and/or when someone gets shot or hurt for their clandestined efforts it'll protect YOU! Also, be sure to put up "No Trespassing" signs and "Dog on Premises" signs - but do NOT put "Beware of Dog" signs up 'cuz if your dogs actually do bite someone? You can be sued for *knowing* your dogs had the capabilities of biting (had this happen to a friend).

 

[dainerra]

Quote:

I agree! The sooner you start that paper trail, the sooner it's on record and if and/or when someone gets shot or hurt for their clandestined efforts it'll protect YOU! Also, be sure to put up "No Trespassing" signs and "Dog on Premises" signs - but do NOT put "Beware of Dog" signs up 'cuz if your dogs actually do bite someone? You can be sued for *knowing* your dogs had the capabilities of biting (had this happen to a friend).

check with a local attorney. this is one of those situations that vary completely by area. Some places you are in trouble with a "beware" sign. Other areas you are in deep doo-doo if you DON'T

 

[DelcoChix]

Please don't kill the messenger but since you didn't actually witness them trespassing you can't be 100% sure they have done a thing, although it certainly does sound a bit 'coincidental.' You know them much better than the rest of us, their usual behavior, attitude, etc.....but what do
you think would happen if you would (maybe with your dh), face them and ask, with sincerity, " Hi, I know we haven't officially met but ...blah, blah..and then tell them you have had some problems with trespassers, have called the police, but got to thinking maybe since they got home right about the time the last incident occured they may have seen someone..or have they had any weird things take place at their house...etc?" Wonder how they would react face-to-face, when you try to include them rather than alienate them? You could off-handedly mention you don't want your dogs to go after anyone, or you to accidentally shoot someone who is innocent because they are cutting through your property....whatever...to let them know you are aware, alert, armed, have notified the police,etc...
I guess I'm just saying is maybe there's a way to meet them, let them know you are on guard, but in a way that would allow them to maybe see you and your chickens aren't so bad (egg welcome gift pushing it?) ..cameras, electric wire, signs,etc. are all great ideas...but once you head that direction there's no turning back...at least you could try the up front approach at no cost...then go for the ones that cost $$ next Good luck with whatever you decide!

Oh yeah, I'd still get a lock asap--doesn't matter how your girls got out, that's got to be stopped....