What happened in the olden days when someone got caught stealing hens?

[Hobbley_Farm]

Quote:
Roger That!!!

 

[BFeathered]

Hey, my gramma wasn't scary to people, just predators. But if you did happen to incur her seldom-seen Irish temper, watch out (usually it was Pappy who got it). My mom told me the willow switch was only ever actually used once, and after that, no problem The worst was being told to go cut your own switch, and if she didn't like the one you cut, she'd go cut another and use both- eeek! Thank goodness Gramma used her sense of humor (wicked) on me. Appalachian folk didn't put up with thievery (still don't) back then, and I know those folks wouldn't hesitate now, either!

 

[wegotchickens]

Quote:
Roger That!!!

In the 80's I had a neighbor that routinely used rock salt in his shotgun to protect his watermelons. He said he never had to shoot anyone twice

It was always kids, that's why he used salt.

 

[pips&peeps]

My Grandma told me just the other day to watch my birds as if the economy gets worse your chickens will start disappearing.

She said people got shot stealing chickens and other livestock in the 40's and 50's.

 

[the1much]

Quote:
Roger That!!!

In the 80's I had a neighbor that routinely used rock salt in his shotgun to protect his watermelons. He said he never had to shoot anyone twice

It was always kids, that's why he used salt.

you sure he didnt live in maine, and own an apple orchid?? ,, yups,, ONCE ,, that stuff stings for a week!!,,,,,,,,,,so ive been told, hehe

 

[Jarhead]

When I lived in Texas I took a class on the Texas Penal Code. We went through the history a bit. If I remember correctly the way the old law was worded you could shoot them dead for stealing any livestock. Wish more stuff was like that now, we would probably have less crime.

 

[Oblio13]

My stepmother was a young (and hungry) girl in post WWII Italy, and has lots of stories about going out at night to rob gardens and coops. She was shot at more than once. I've always wondered if they were bad shots, or couldn't see her in the dark, or if they could see her and just wanted to scare her.