The predators are really my neighbors, but...

[Rillion]

Quote:
I can definitely understand your feelings there, and yeah latchkey kids do get locked out every now and then-- I never did, but my brother did once when we were kids and knocked out a window on the door to the garage so he could get to the spare key! I wouldn't say you should lock the kid out if it's cold outside, but at the same time you have a right not to become a forced baby-sitter through her parents' negligence.

This lady has to be off her rocker to accuse you of attracting skunks to get rid of your chickens when you could easily turn her in to Child Protective Services for abuse-- as that's exactly what neglecting her kid is. I'm not suggesting that you do that, as it would probably make things terrible for the kid as well as the parents, but this mother needs to wake up to reality and recognize that her priorities need to change, post haste. Sounds like she has more than one beam in her eye that she's ignoring while pointing to the mote in yours. You have tremendous leverage here.

Apologies for the rant, but I think you are just being far too nice here and need to stick up for yourself. She should not get away with badgering you like this.

P.S. See if you can get the composter back, or one just like it.

P.P.S. Those people need to get a spare key, or get their kid a very' cell phone, or something.

 

[bigkford]

Quote:
That was the first thing that came to my mind also. Maybe because we did it and they moved out. But we are friends with them now. Their son is here alot. Some neighbors just won't or can't keep to themslves. They just like to stir up trouble for someone.

 

[Judy]

Just announce to the parents first that you can no longer care for the child. You are not obligated to give a reason, you simply cannot. If she returns, a visit to the local sheriff's office next time you are in town should solve the problem, if they should decide to have a talk with the parents. You might not have to take it to the level of CPS.

 

[Fuzzy_Hat_Farm]

Quote:
What stinks here is not a skunk!!
You are well within your rights to have your chickens and not to be harassed about it.
You may not have 'agreed' to babysit but you set a precedence every time you let her in, they have no right to tell their child to go to your house without your permission. Next time just let her use the phone to call her parents and tell them they MUST come home and let her in. If they don't take care of their child, then maybe the authorities should intervene. You have other neighbors, are they also visited by this little waif? Maybe the parents need a wake up call from the neighborhood! Not all conflict has to be a bad thing, and maybe they need a little conflict to open their eyes.

 

[wanda047]

when the kid gets locked out, her mom would tell her to come here

Next time... call DHS or the police. Let them take care of the issue. This is child neglect.

As for the chickens... get more!

and make sure to get a very loud rooster!​

 

[Marie66]

Quote:
I've met people like that. They are not to be trusted. Just realize that you are not the bad person, and sticking to your guns doesn't make you mean. You're not causing the conflict, she is. I pray that you don't let the girl on your property anymore. Nowadays, that's just a disaster waiting to happen. Sad to say it, but with a mother like that, you are opening yourself up to all sorts of allegations/lawsuits. If you believe the girl is in danger, due to exposure, or whatever, you may want to call child protective services? I would think that they could give their 11 year old a key to the home.
good luck!

 

[theOEGBman]

Quote:
Next time... call DHS or the police. Let them take care of the issue. This is child neglect.

As for the chickens... get more!

and make sure to get a very loud rooster!

Im glad someone got to this. That is neglect, plain and simple. If the child is in a situation where someone might not be there to open the door, she needs a key. Fight for your rights. You live there just like them and you have every right to do what you please as long as its legal. Good luck.

 

[Zookeeper9000]

Well I must be a real witch because when she called to say that skunks were setting off her light I would of said her, that is my problem how?

Then I would of said.

Hunny what happens in your yard is your business and I stay out of my neighbors business. Now if it is in my yard then that is my business and I thank you to stay out of my business. Have a good day.

Good luck and remember if it is in her yard it is her problem not yours.

My best advice is don't make someone elses problems yours. Also if you don't lay down like a rug people can not walk on you.

 

[MysticScorpio82]

I am the same type of person, I hate conflict and I am a peace keeper, so I can understand how you feel, However by giving in to your neighbor, you really aren't avoiding conflict, because with her there will ALWAYS be conflict. If it isn't your chickens then it will be something else. Don't let her push you around.

Start by trying to ignore her, and if she decides to push things, then turn to passive aggressive...hehe (if she likes calling the cops so much, let's see how she likes having them show up on HER doorstep for child neglect, since I believe kids are supposed to be supervised if they are under 12) Maybe it's time for a few more chickens and if your codes allow, a rooster >

...Ok I am having too much fun, so I will stop for now, but if you need some ideas, I am brimming with them!

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

I'm bad but i've got a spare rooster, a very loud spare rooster, Free

Pretty too