The predators are really my neighbors, but...

[CMV]

Good fences make good neighbors.

 

[flakey chick]

Quote:
That's true for striped skunks, but spotted skunks really do smell all the time- like Pepe Le Pew. I have had some skunk issues with a spotted skunk. Its spots were more like blotches and it left a mildly stinky trail. Their regular stink is no where near as bad as the spray. BTW what seemed to set it off was the second VP debate in 2004. It just seemed to spray the entire outside of our house while we were watching. I blame Cheney and Edwards.

Anyway when I looked into the problem, composters, brush piles, and pet-food were big no-nos. They did recommend using ammonia soaked rags to discourage them. Skunks can be a predator concern, but not likely a problem for you.

 

[Bwaaak!]

Heh... can your neighbor even TELL the DIFFERENCE between a stray cat and a skunk?!

 

[DiVon80]

Quote:
I agree!

 

[Hillbilly Rooster]

I trap in michigan with the correct licesne's and time. And to get rid of skunks we use cat food and a live trap. So if the cat food is outdoors well put 2 and 2 together and you have problems.

I have skunks and I live in the country and Raccoon's.

Now coon's will kill all chicken's and pheasants, ducks then start eating. It just happened to 15 pheasants and 4 banty chicks in a tractor.

But dont back down.

Neighbors can be a pain. Mine was mad because my son and his friend made a fort and it was 5 ft from the property line and call the commisson so I had to move it not easy in the woods.
Something with buildings and property lines. SO I Put my chicken coop on a trailer and placed one foot off the property line.

Yes she complained put it is portalble now she cannot do a thing.


Just have fun with it.

 

[Boyd]

Quote:

 

[tomato lady]

I agree with the posts about the child. If you allow the child on your property and she hurts herself you could be in legal trouble if they are that type. I was a foster parent for 20 years and it is hard to see children being neglected and not help, but........sometimes calling the authorities is the best help.

I once had a neighbor who had her children walk through my property to go to my childrens' bus stop because she was "afraid" for them to go to their own bus stop. At the same time she complained about my small dog and told me it better not bite her children or she would sue me! As much as this was not the childrens' fault, I had to tell her to keep them off my property if she was worried about my dog.

I got two little pigglets and I put them in a portable fence so they could unroot my field of stinging nettles. The neighbor and I had raised pigs together once -- on her property. I didn't give much thought to where I put the portable fencing. Pigs don't smell bad until they are older anyway. She said I put them "near" (50 ft) her house to insult her and so she would have to smell the stink. She sent her husband up to demand that my husband make me move the pigs.

We didn't move the pigs. I did, however, explain to her why I had put them in front instead of in my pig pen up back.

We were neighbors for about 10 years and after we stuck up for ourselves things got better. Her and I remained friendly until she moved, but I always was careful to draw the line clearly.

Hope your neighbors learn they cannot harrass you.

 

[Lucy4]

Well, she called again today. And for the first time, I was not apologetic. I was very polite, but did not budge. I mentioned the cat food (she immediately said she brought it in at night -- not sure if that's a lie or not.) Then I said that we spoke to several experts (thanks BYC!) who said that if skunks/coons get no taste of chicken, they'll eventually give up on a coop. We've had chickens out there for over 2 months with no problem, so I said that they were unlikely to be the cause... expecially since we have no skunk scent here. So "it must be a problem originating from her property."

I also mentioned that while I had given away an $80 composter to be a good neighbor, that I was unwilling to acrew additional expense when the problem was not ours.

Then I finished by saying that I would certainly keep an eye out for any skunks in her yard, and let her know if I noticed why the skunks were "bothering" her.

I talked a LOT, which is a change from the usual situation of her telling me off. When I was done, I could tell she was railroaded. And she got off the phone rather quickly. I'm sure she'll regroup, but in the meantime... Suz: 1... grump neighbor: 0

Thanks everyone.

 

[ChickeeNewbie]

That is awesome!! Way to go!!

 

[cw]

sounds like its time to tell em where to go