Problem w/ Neighbors about our backyard chickens/rooster

[fasbendera]

Am I just reading to fast? There is no barking dog in the original post.

Someone who complains without first approaching you would probably still complain as they were using the fresh eggs you brought over as a peace offering.

Real cameras and dummy cameras and try to catch whoever is trespassing on your parents property.

I am really surprised how naive people are about chickens. There have been three or four stories about chicken ordiances in my area lately and the veiws people have are so out there it is hard to believe. One person commented when our town was looking at a four hen allowance that she didn't want chickens next door to bring down her property values. I would rather have a neighbor with chickens than the one that lets there dogs bark all day long and poo in my yard. I have enough poo picking up after my own dog and birds I don't need anymore.

 

[Rebel Rooster]

I think that SpeckledHen makes a good point... and has a good idea! Post signs on the perimeter of your property that state, "Hidden Security Cameras! You are being recorded!"
Even if you don't have the cameras... I bet this would be a heckuva deterrent for anyone to come on your property uninvited ever again! Me thinks!

 

[seven]

Thanks for the advice. We usually kept the side gate pad locked since we hardly used it. But at one time or another we needed to use it and the lock never went back on. I have been wanting to get cameras and some sort of security since the neighbors verbally expressed his desire to kill my rooster a year before he disappeared but never got around to it. Now it feels too late.

Currently our dogs have all passed away and I only have one hen left residing at my parents house. My family has made the suggestion about speakers playing a rooster crowing in repeat. And they have also suggested getting more roosters. But I don't live at home anymore and when I get more chicks and roosters it will be at my place

When I first got the complaint about the rooster I did put him in an enclosed area during the night into the morning to keep the noise greatly reduced. My bedroom window was literally right next to where I kept my rooster at night, and he never woke me up due to his crowing in the morning. However that wasn't a 'good enough' solution for the neighbor, he didn't want to hear the rooster at any time of the day.

But I did send a letter to Channel 3 news about the issue as a follow-up. Who knows if they will do anything.

I also had a duck at one point and I found this "beware of attack duck" sign at a novelty store that I put on the gate, but I don't think that is the same thing as a "security" sign

 

[wombat]

If you've got the resources, I'd consider getting a lawyer and suing the neighbor for harrassment. I'm not generally one to go for suing anyone, but a sneak that comes onto your property and steals livestock used to face hangin' in the ol' days if caught.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

You can see about a gate latch that uses an integral lock rather than a padlock, or you can lock the lock in an open position while you are using the gate, so that the padlock doesn't become misplaced.

If the neighbor makes threats, you need to immediately notify the police so that they have it on record before something happens. Ideally they will speak with the person, letting them know that they will be watching to ensure that that threat does not occur, and that if it does, they will be under suspicion.

Ask your parents if they want another rooster. Since you are no longer living there, it is really their decision, but I know how I would react if I were in their place, and there would be several new roosters adorning the premises. Perhaps a couple of longcrowers, even.

BTW, if I didn;t already say so, make sure the coop doors are locked.

 

[wombat]

Report the breakin and the rooster theft, as well as your suspicions.

Get a lock for the gate, and a security camera.

Get 2 new roos. Wait for the neighbor to come again, and catch them this time.

 

[redstars]

Quote:
I agree, But would not lock the gate setting them up to get caught.
Also I would get as many roos as the law allows.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
I agree, But would not lock the gate setting them up to get caught.Also I would get as many roos as the law allows.

Hmmm, perhaps you could get some of the very permanent dye they use in bank bags to stain thieves. Paint it on the gate and coop door handles. Or set a small bucket with some atop the coop door, ready to fall onto anyone making an illicit entry.

 

[GBov]

Have to agree with most posters, get more roosters! And some more hens too, that way you are all ready with nice grownup birds when you move them to your own place

If you dont replace the rooster the psychopath will think not only that he has won but that killing or maiming the offending animal is the way to solve all animal related problems.

And yep, get long crowers

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
I remember reading a website that described the diffence in sound between different long crower breeds. There was one that was described as sounding like a herd of thundering elephants

another crows in chorus with itself