OMGOMGOMGOMG>>>>>> UPDATE!:

[lickskillet]

We are still waiting to hear from CA. The sons have done nothing so far today. Husband is due home in 25 minutes for lunch, I'm going to have him call once more, and then maybe call sherriffs office to see what they will do (mediate, etc.). I have documented every detail. I'll keep you posted.

 

[amazondoc]

Quote:
These approaches can actually be combined.

If the OP does want to talk to the family directly, then one option is to call the police and ask a police officer to accompany you to the family's house. In my area, the police would not mind doing this. It provides safety as well as an impartial witness, and gets the police involved without necessarily pressing charges.

 

[GaNewChick]

Quote:
It was not my suggestion that this is how the OP should handle it. It was how I said I would handle the situation.

I know you are not trying to cause a fight...I have tough skin.

 

[GaNewChick]

Quote:
Thanks for clarifying. I can't blame you for not wanting a face to face, again, thats where we differ (and not saying you are wrong or saying that you are a doormat). I would try and catch them outside or knock on their door. People can hide behind words, but it shows the character of people when questioned face to face. I would then document my conversation to the parents and sons (if they are there) about their sons behaviour, if it continued then I would send them and the boys a certified return receipt letter from me, and if it didn't stop, I would go through the proper channels through the courts. But thats just me, that is how I would handle it.

These kids might back down when confronted. They are just trying to intimidate you using punkish tactics.

GANewChick, you have been such a calm voice of reason through this whole thing, and boy is that a gift when so many of the rest of us are jumping to the top of the woodpile to howl and pontificate to loose our outrage on behalf of Lickskillet and her family...(I blush as I write this) this time, while I do see that you are working through steps to a better long term end, I have to respectfully disagree with your advice about this approach of knocking on the neighbor's door to further conversation without the support of an official third party. Given the behavior that family has actually demonstrated already, is very similar to stepping up to a powder keg wearing a blowtorch. Again, demonstrably, they are unreasonable, and can't saddle their emotion, so the use of service from a police officer, CA, or other professional, unrelated mediator is really a much, much safer way to go about diffusing the situation before it spins out of sense and control. There is so much power in graceful triangulation - it isn't passive aggressive, it's sensible and safe. Police and officials would much rather deal with things this way, than after something else terrible happens, or after unnecessarily continued heartache on the part of Lickskillet and her family .

Thanks ~ maybe I didn't word the message I was conveying very well. I wasn't advising her how she should handle it, just how I would handle it. Another POV as it might not work for her situation but could work for her or others in future instances depending on the circumstances.

 

[Polish Chickens]

I hope everything goes well and tell your daughter that I hope that the rest of her flock will be alright

 

[Iowa Roo Mom]

Quote:
So sorry, I should have read your post again. My misunderstanding... Sometimes I have to read things twice to really "get it." Anyhow, you're a brave soul! I'd be cowering and scared for sure!

Sorry again for jumping to conclusions, and thanks for having tough skin!

 

[GaNewChick]

Quote:
So sorry, I should have read your post again. My misunderstanding... Sometimes I have to read things twice to really "get it." Anyhow, you're a brave soul! I'd be cowering and scared for sure!

Sorry again for jumping to conclusions, and thanks for having tough skin!

Only twice?

Sometimes I have to read it at least 3 times to make sure I understand the message coming across.

 

[jwoodall]

I know how you feel.....I had a dog kill some of my chickens last year. They are like family.

 

[lickskillet]

Hi again everyone, the CA still has not called back, probably in court today, I would expect to hear from him by evening. My husband wants to see what he/CA has to say before calling the police again, to see if/when we confront neighbors about sons actions, if something should happen (with law present), what to do next. Best case scenario, the parents DIDN'T know, and put a stop to it. BUT I have a feeling the mother knows. Maybe they will get worried though with knowing OTHERS know what's been going on and stop. When we know more, i'll post again.

 

[calicokat]

I just read through the entire thread, and just can't believe how lucky your DD was! She surely had her guardian angel working overtime that evening!!

I think you are handling this very well! I can't imagine how hard it is. Keep your calm manner and level head, they will serve you well.

You are getting some great advice from others, and hopefully it helps to know we all have your back. Having a safe place to vent when crazy stuff is going on really helps! Keep us posted, hopefully you'll hear more tonight from the attorney.