Shadrach's Ex Battery and Rescued chickens thread.

[Shadrach]

Can you remind me what C's formal status is vis-a-vis the allotments in general and the chickens in particular? She evidently assumes or believes that she is in charge of both, but if she just stepped up when her partner died/disappeared, that may not be well founded.

I don't know what C's formal status is. They won't show anyone the lease documents if they exist.

 

[Shadrach]

This was breath-taking at first read, but now I'm wondering, when she says 'you only own half the coop', does she mean the Solway half (regarding the old wooden one the other half) or half of the Solway?

Yes they are referring to the Solway coop, not the extension.

 

[Shadrach]

C reminds me of a toxic former coworker who once let slip she struggles with a personality disorder. Researching the disorder later, the phrase, "persistent lack of self love" stuck out. I figured the only way to counter that would be persistent compassion. As much as she damaged my career, I can find compassion for someone who deals with that kind of pain.

From then on, I started every interaction with a soothing sentiment: "Wow, you did such a great job there," or, "That's awful they didn't recognize how hard you worked!" It was like a switch flipped. She still found ways to cause chaos, but rarely with me, whereas before I'd been a main target. Somehow she never figured out what I was doing. The only side effect was throwing up in my mouth while complimenting her screw ups. Dishonesty isn't my cup of tea.

If you have a goal to reach with C before you part ways, I highly recommend this approach.

Examples would be, "Wow, your bird netting is...going to make birds think twice." And, "Gosh, it must be difficult dealing with all the ways people are accusing you of stealing." <--Kidding. You have to really make her feel seen. She knows she's screwing up but can't stop until someone sees her. I worry for Henry.

There is absolutely no way I am going to lie in order to bolster C's fragile ego or lack of self esteem.

 

[Shadrach]

Does @Shadrach have any books published or social media/YouTube channel? He has too much knowledge not to share!

I don't yet. I do have a few articles here on BYC and a few others elsewhere.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/authors/shadrach.521413/

 

[Shadrach]

Ex Batts good afternoon one and all!

62 cloudy 90% humidity feels like 61 rain 1%.

I just can't believe C. is doing this.

Maybe if she follows through with her threat she will let you take Henry and Matilda.

Have a great day!

I would if I could, but I live in an apartment in the city.

 

[Shadrach]

How is your family now Shadrach? Do they still need your extra hand?


What do you have in mind with taking Henry and Mathilda? Bc I don’t think Shadrach can have chickens at the flat where he lives.

Most are recovered now.

 

[Shadrach]

I have skipped from page 1123 to here, I will go back and finish reading. Shad, my friend, I am shattered. I had no idea conditions were so bad, both for the chickens and for yourself. The chickens look so healthy and happy in your pics, I thought they were doing well and all was like a little Camelot there for them and you. I mean, I knew there were some challenges but I did not know they were so crowded or that you totally lacked support from those who asked for your help. ... I'm just so sorry.

Having said all that, you must do what is best for the chickens. If they are not getting even the minimum requirements as to feed, space and care, in spite of all your efforts, which of course have been considerable, not to say herculean, then ... they must get those things elsewhere.

Nobody could have done more for these birds than you have. Thank you for sharing those efforts with us. It has been a joy to watch these girls (and Henry!) blossom under your care.

Again, like the rest of your followers, I can't tell you what a shock this is or how sad it makes me.

Sadness tax. This is Toby. I think his wing is twisted from where the neighbor's dog got hold of him. His motto is Be Brave and Carry On.

View attachment 3347615

Sometimes ones best is just not good enough. It's a lesson it seems that is unpopular in current times but it is one of the most important life lessons to be learned.

 

[Shadrach]

No pictures for a few days. I am staying with family close to the allotments.

 

[RoyalChick]

I don't know what C's formal status is. They won't show anyone the lease documents if they exist.

My guess is her partner was the leaseholder and she has taken it over.
Allotment leases are often ambiguous as to whether they are statutory (in which case they are allotments in perpetuity) or temporary (renewed each year). It is apparently a hot topic with local authorities and the ambiguity is likely to make the local authority cautious about simply taking it back unless it is unambiguously temporary.
If it is clearly temporary then they can take it back chickens or no chickens.
The name of the leaseholder has in other cases been provided under freedom of information requests.
Allotments can have up to 50 chickens without any other licenses required. There is no such thing as a smallholder license - simply a requirement to register with the local parish if you keeep livestock (defined as fewer than 50 chickens).

All the above I gleaned from digging into allotment law while at a long wait at the doctor’s office the other day.

My takeaway that the threat about ‘if we do x then they will build in the lot’ is purely fear-mongering.

None of that changes what is the right thing to do for Henry and gang of course.

 

[Marie2020]

That Sunday rule was interesting!

While I never want to have a mental illness, I sometimes wonder how much they understand or realize what they are doing but can’t stop themselves. I guess it varies from person to person. Still, I know from working with my own children and those that I taught that people tend to live up to the expectations you have if them. Treat them like they can’t do anything right, they’ll fail every time. Let them know that you recognize their potential for doing good and acknowledge their efforts (despite their failures and mistakes) and they will respond towards you positively. They may not be perfect, but it makes such a difference for them to know you’re in their corner. They still have to be held accountable for their mistakes and you have to set limits with them, but that can actually help them trust you more in the long run. I would hate to be in C’s position, if she feeling like she can’t do anything right and everyone hates her.

I agree whole heartedly with all you said and you're imo also correct in them having accountability for the harm they are causing.

I really have sympathy with all the varient mental disabilities. I've come across many upsetting situations in my time... in saying this when harm is made to human beings or animals there has to be a point where it is stopped

I hope C gets the help she needs and has guidance in the right direction but sadly again imo she shouldn't be dealing with animals I would also be concerned with children or the vulnerable of any kind