Dolly Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 Yesterday came home to find the neighbour on her drive asking if I was missing a chicken. Went round and no, thank goodness, she wasn't mine so I caught her up and after knocking on a couple of doors, found her owner. So you'd think the story ended happily.... but not for me. It appears their dog 'found' the chicken a few weeks ago and as she was injured they looked after her in the house. They said she had recovered well and is now living in the house permanently - they have other chickens outside but said they wouldn't put her outside as she's "now a house chicken"! They let her outside occasionally then she's back inside, on her own. Unfortunately they are known locally for their apparent lack of care when it comes to keeping animals - they've had dogs, guinea fowl, ferrets, rabbits, chickens and most of the neighbours know this because they regularly make their way into our gardens (not much effort is made to fence them in), only to be taken back to find they haven't even noticed the poor things have gone! I don't think they're knowingly cruel, it's just the animals seem to come and go without much thought. So… if (and when) the hen finds her way into my vicinity again, should I a) take her back b) take her to our local animal rescue centre to find a loving home with other hens c) take her in myself, but risk upsetting my little flock and my DH! I don't know these people, so wouldn't be happy giving them an impromptu lesson on chicken keeping ie. keep them outside with their feathered friends! - also I get the impression it wouldn't be too welcome. Sorry it's so long and thanks for listening, I feel so awful for the poor hen and needed to let off steam! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 I'd take her to an animal rescue place IF it strayed in to my garden again but apart from that would take no action If you are anyway near Warwckshre I would recommend that you take the chicken to Beegal (on many forums) who rehomes chickens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanTheDiver Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 Hermm dilemma indeed! If they are known for not looking after their pets then you could innocently take it to the RSPCA saying you didn't know where it had come from, but then it may still be given back to them if the RSPCA find. If you kept it yourself (which my heart tells me is the best option) it could be classed as theft if found out. I would be reluctant to take it straight back to them knowing what you know, but this is a difficult decision to make Sorry not much help really Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 tough one....from what you've said, althoigh they're not being deliberately cruel to their animals, they are neglecting them which in itself is cruel. I'd be tempted to phone the RSPCA and see if they think the same and if they might have a chat with your neighbours about how to properly care for their animals. It doesn't mean they will be fined or have their animals taken away, the RSPCA try to work with peeople so that they keep their animals but know how to look after them properly. Then, if the RSPCA feel there is cause for further action, they're the ones with the specialist knowledge to make that decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 Gosh Dolly, that's a tricky one. They must care for her as they woudn't have nursed her back to health. If you suspect that they are neglecting their animals, you owe it to those animals to report them to the RSPCA. Let them decide, and they may be able to help them to take more care and behave more responsibly towards their pets. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 A tricky one. They are probably not being deliberately cruel, but are not allowing the hen to live by the 5 freedoms principle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolly Posted December 8, 2009 Author Share Posted December 8, 2009 Thanks so much for all your replies. I think I'll wait and see if she comes my way again and decide what to do then, probably best to base the decision on her state of health at the time. You are right, taking her myself while knowing she belongs to someone else would be theft but it would also be wrong of me to do nothing... wish me luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaudetteDay Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 yes. call the RSPCA at once. they know best. and although i would be tempted to keep the chicken, like many others have said, it could be classed as theft. call the RSPCA now. don't wait till the chicken escapes. just give them a call and tell them about your situation. then they'll probably send somebody over to examine the pets and make sure they aren't living in terrible conditions. good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
