Strepsy Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Last night Bobbins was taken from our Eglu by a local teenager. He had been in his friend's garden, which backs on to ours, earlier and had been saying he wanted a chicken and could he have one and apparently he kept staring at the run and Eglu, so much so that our daughter was scared and came in to tell us but he had gone when hubby went out. The chooks went off to bed as normal and we checked on them and shut the Eglu door at about half past 8. When I went up to bed at about 10 I looked into the garden from our bathroom window and saw the boy jump over his friend's fence and into the one next to ours. I shouted hubby who went straight out and he ran off when hubby shouted his name. But then on checking the Eglu hubby realised that Bobbins had been taken, the boy had obviously been coming back for more After knocking at the boy's house and getting no answer our nextdoor neighbour came out to help us look as obviously we had no idea if she was still in our garden, next door's, or even been killed. The neighbour knocked at the boy's house as they know the family more but still no answer, they were definitely in so he opened the side door and found Bobbins huddled in a corner of their outhouse. I couldn't believe it when they found her, I was just so relieved as you can probably imagine. She actually seems fine after her ordeal and has laid her first egg this morning. They have been noisier and unsettled but I think physically fine thank goodness. Police took a statement and we may have to go to court. So how on earth can I lock or secure the nestbox door on the Eglu? Has anyone had to do this themselves, at the moment I just can't imagine how but my head is still spinning a bit so I'm really hoping someone has an answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMO Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 (edited) How awful for you - I am so glad you found her. You may be able to secure a long hinged padlock bolt to stop the eppport lid being taken off without a key - I am sure someone with more DIY info will be along to offer a better description of what I mean. If I can find a picture of what I mean I'll post it. Try this link Hasp and Staple Edited April 16, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redfrock Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 I don't have the answer I'm afraid but I have just sat here reading your post, literally with an open mouth. I cannot get my head round such behaviour (or that of his parents). I'm sorry that you and Bobbins have had such a trauma. I would certainly get a PIR light so that it comes on if he tries to go in your garden again, and good on your neighbour opening the door and finding her. horrid horrid vile boy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redfrock Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 How awful for you - I am so glad you found her. You may be able to secure a long hinged padlock bolt to stop the eppport lid being taken off without a key - I am sure someone with more DIY info will be along to offer a better description of what I mean. If I can find a picture of what I mean I'll post it. hasp and staple? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur 'n' Feathers Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Horrendous This is not just down to the boy, but also to his feckless parents How awful for you. Thank goodness you found Bobbins. Can't offer any solution. How about contacting Omlet and asking them if they have had a queries / what they could suggest? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMO Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 How awful for you - I am so glad you found her. You may be able to secure a long hinged padlock bolt to stop the eppport lid being taken off without a key - I am sure someone with more DIY info will be along to offer a better description of what I mean. If I can find a picture of what I mean I'll post it. hasp and staple? Thats the one! - I have posted a link in my original reply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ash Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 I have THIS keeping a watchful eye over my garden, its a good quality camera with a half decent night vision that will cover about 20-25 meters. It also glows red at night (The Infra red LED's) and can act as a deterent for anyone spotting it. Its wireless to the TV reciever but still needs power to work so will need a power outlet. Range is ok but drasticly reduced when a brick wall is in the way. Just noticed its out of stock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 What a stupid, stupid boy. So glad that you saw him and were able to get her back. Hope you find a solution - but how awful that you have to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 I can't believe it! What on EARTH was the boy thinking?? What was he going to do with Bobbins? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Absolutely unbelievable . What on earth was the boy thinking! Thank goodness you were able to rescue Bobbins, bless her. I hope you're able to secure the Eglu. If none of the solutions help, the only thing I can suggest is to build a run to put the Eglu in as you can padlock the run door to keep unwanted people out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strepsy Posted April 16, 2008 Author Share Posted April 16, 2008 Thanks everyone, I just feel so lucky to have looked out when I did as if I hadn't then the chooks probably wouldn't have been checked on until morning and by then it might have been too late. Have just popped round to neighbours to thank them again and give them a box of eggs. Will look into security ideas, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 This has made my blood boil! How dare he just come and take poor Bobbins! I hope the police paying them a visit will scare him and his parents into having more respect for people's pets and property. Borrow a very large, very loud dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 I'd be inclined to refer the matter to the police. Theft and animal cruelty won't look good on his CV. Unbelievable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phosphorus Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 OMG That sounds horrendous. I am so glad you got her back and that she seems okay. Poor little hen. How could people be so ..... uggh - just makes me shudder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smiler Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 I really could not believe this when I read it. How awful for you and her! Hope she is all happy and warm again now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hilda-and-evadne Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 I'd be inclined to refer the matter to the police. Theft and animal cruelty won't look good on his CV. I agree - I would not allow anyone (eg his parents) to make out that this incident is in any way funny, even though it involves chickens. It is theft of livestock and causing unnecessary suffering to poultry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 make sure this oik gets everything that's coming to him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa33 Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 This is appalling!!! So glad you got Bobbins back and that the others are OK. I can't use the words I want to describe that ************************ on a family forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 What a horrible experience. I hope that he gets the necessary scare from the police and relinks his idea of fun. Hopefully this was a one off. Keep us informed about what happens please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Yes, a shocking incident indeed. My sympathy goes out to Bobbin's owner and Bobbin. At the same time, I wonder about the boy as well. Locally a dog had his throat slashed and two cats were also violently attacked. There doesn't seem to be any indication that the boy was intent on mayhem. The relationship between domestic fowl and humans is ancient one. The boy could have acted on impulse, not thinking about the impact of his behaviour. Teenagers are not great on impulse control! Perhaps Bobbin's owner (apologies but the name is in the first part of this thread) could invite the boy and his parents to come and see the chickens and pet them if possible. It would be an opportunity to educate the boy about the fact that what he did had an impact on other people. Sometimes people (especially those with a background of neglect) have no idea. If it does become a legal matter, I would hope that your local constabulary or court would see this as an appropriate case for "restorative justice" which is simply a matter of the guilty party having to meet with the victim(s), hear their distress and do something to express their remorse. This approach not only can prevent children becoming criminalised, it is also much more beneficial to the victims themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindyloodles Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 my parents live in a smallish village in Cambridgeshire and in their parish newsletter last week there was a warning that chickens had been stolen. I don't know whether from farms or private gardens, but they are obviously popular at the moment and some unscrupulous people are trying to cash in. Glad bobbins got home safe and well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 I cant believe how someone would have the nerve to pinch a chicken! If he wants one so much why doesnt he go and buy one. Im not sure how you would secure an eglu, unless you surround the eglu and run with electric fencing? We have a walk in run which can be padlocked. I would also maybe concentrate on proofing your fencing with stuff on the top so he cant climb up (you can get those spikey intruder strips) good luck and im so relieved bobbins is back home with you safe and sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 How dreadful for you I'm glad you got her back. Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 I am simply godsmacked by this. Thank goodness you found her......please,please take the little monkey to court Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 OMG that's awful and fancy the parents ignoring the door as well! However, could the boy have developmental problems and not realise the implications of what he did. It's the type of thing one of my daughters friends brothers would do as he has lots of problems and will need constant adult supervision thoughout his life. Mind you his parents wouldn't just ignore it if he'd done something like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...