Uninvited guests...

[Mya05]

One of our neighbors, about 4 houses down, has two pullets. This morning I let my flock out to free range as I do every day. About an hour later, I glance out the window and see my neighbor's two pullets in the backyard. I stepped out back, and obe of my cockerels, Romeo, is standing beside them while they eat out of my feeder. The rest of my flock is giving the the side eye, and a wide berth. I tried to walk the two visitors out of my yard, but they keep coming back. I cannot get close enough to grab them, and this isn't the first time I've found them in the yard. It is the longest they have stayed though. I have left a note for my neighbors so they know where to find their pullets, and to let them know they have been in my yard again. I am worried this will become a far too common problem. Has anyone else had this issue? How do you deal with it? My neighbors just allow them to roam, and won't clip their wings, or lock them up.

 

[MarkJr]

Clip wing and return.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

You can always let them know that their birds not only put yours at risk, but can be at risk themselves, and that a loose chicken is easy prey for a dog.

 

[Mya05]

Clip wing and return.

I fear that would sour the relationship with my neighbor. Also, I am unsure of the legal ramifications of it.

 

[MarkJr]

I fear that would sour the relationship with my neighbor. Also, I am unsure of the legal ramifications of it.

If you have a relationship, offer to show them how to clip wings so they are easier to contain.

 

[Mya05]

You can always let them know that their birds not only put yours at risk, but can be at risk themselves, and that a loose chicken is easy prey for a dog.

Yep, I've done that. We do have several dogs in the neighborhood that are allowed to roam. They do tend to stay further up the street, which might be the main reason the pullets are still alive. Also, the pullets are VERY aware of everything around them, but I just wonder how much longer they will be ok.

 

[Mya05]

If you have a relationship, offer to show them how to clip wings so they are easier to contain.

I haven't tried that approach yet. I will try it tonight when they get home.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Honestly I'm not sure they would even know that the wings were clipped. I don't when we have birds learning to stay put

 

[JacinLarkwell]

They're pretty girls. Did the neighbor get them for pets or protein (eggs and meat)

 

[Mya05]

Honestly I'm not sure they would even know that the wings were clipped. I don't when we have birds learning to stay put

Didn't think about that, but I'm more hands on, so it wouldn't occur to me that such a change would go unnoticed.