TheChookKeeper Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 After a minor panic at the weekend, with someone running off with one of my chickens whilst they were out in the garden (seems someone came through the unlocked gate and just took one!), I got her back, but it has happened again. This time, they were all in their Cube run, all shut up as they are most days while I am at work, and it looks like someone has come over the back fence (a garden ornament is knocked over), and taken one of them out of the run. Problem is, in my bliery-eyed state, I didn't notice if all 6 came out this morning, or if there were only 5... so it could have happened yesterday, or even overnight. I am more than just a little peeved, and rather worried for the safety of my little girl. I started locking the side gate again after the weekend, but as I say, now looks like they are scaling the back fence (which at a good 7ft off the ground is quite a mean feat). I popped out to B&Q just now, and have bought a padlock for the run door, and a harsp to screw to the back door of the cube, and the lid, and padlock that shut too - that will just leave the egg-port. I am REALLY annoyed! Why on Earth would you steal one chicken?!? And then, lock them back up again when you had pinched her? I am really beginning to HATE the people around here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 Oh no That is awfull, you should get in touch with the police, for 1.) Trespassing 2.) Breaking and entering and 3.) For stealing. Have you got her back??? How did you get the first stolen one back? Does that mean 2 have been stolen? Poor you!!! You must be so worried! hugs to you all xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 God that's terrible!! I can't believe someone would do that! I can only think it's some sicko teenagers idea of a joke (we get LOADS of rowdy nuisance behaviour reported, all the local low lifes playing what they think are tricks on people, like throwing rocks through peoples windows or letting tyres down, or yelling and swearing til the small hours) I mean you can't do anything with just one chicken, you certainly couldn't eat it if it was a standard egg layer. I take it she's not some hugely rare breed or anything? Why would anyone do that? Can't be a proper chicken keeper who wants her, no one who keeps chickens of their own would do that. I hope you get her back, let the local police know - here we have beat officers who are pretty good at keeping their ear to the ground. Mrs Bertie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 Blimey. Have you fallen out with anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 I am astonished that someone can do this to you and your hens. How awful, poor you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa33 Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 You must be raging. Some people are sick. I hope you get her back and that she is ok. Can you get a gun? or is that not really allowed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 i'd definitely report it to the police and then if i thought it might continue, rig up some cctv type cameras or take a few days off work and stake the place out and catch them at it. Have you any idea who is doing it or why? I kind of get the feeling you don't get on with the people in your neighbourhood from your last sentence. Put barbed wire on the top of the fence or something or anti vandal paint perhaps? why would someone do this? If they did it to me and I caught them they'd be chicken feed, literally! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 There is only one answer to this.....revenge Dig a huge hole by the fence and fill it with water. Any intruders will fall into the hole and get soaked. Or electric fencing Or watch for the night, if you see someone turn on the super sonic sprinklers. Or pelt them with eggs and blame the chooks. Stay up all night and watch from the window, have a security light as well. Sometimes a police man can sit outside your house in a disguised car and report anything. Even if nothing happens, I'm sure you will feel safer with a police man outside. Could you borrow someones really nasty vicious dog, that could so happend to despratly need the loo if you see anyone? I would bring the girls in at night, even if you do padlock the run they could still get the girls through the egg port xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 Sometimes a police man can sit outside your house in a disguised car and report anything. Even if nothing happens, I'm sure you will feel safer with a police man outside. you definitley watch too much TV! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 I know I got the idea from the film "Secret wondow." xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 You really are on form tonight xchicken04x! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheChookKeeper Posted November 22, 2007 Author Share Posted November 22, 2007 Thank you all for your kind words (and suggestions!). 1 have only had 1 stolen, the other one, it looks like was taken by kids, then released (or escaped), and turned up in the neighbours garden (a nice neighbour, I don't suspect him! - he did bring her back after all!) That is how she got back, but now another one has gone, but no knowing when she went, I can't think it is very likely I will get her back. I'll have a look around tomorrow - but she could be anywhere by now. As for my last words... about the neighbours, I am being unfair - those near me are nice enough people, and in general we haven't had too bad a time, but it is far from the most selubrious neighbourhood (first time buyers, didn't have much of a choice!), and there are a good few nasty kids (and adults) about. Even if I put aside all the anger about them stealing a chicken, it is more the fact that they obviously went to so much trouble to break into the garden - we have nothing of value out there (except the chickens) - and yet, still, they seem intent on getting in. I wanted to phone the local police, but I can't help but feel I would be laughed off the phone. This part of town is quite well known to the police, and I just think they would have far better things to worry about than my 1 stolen chicken. Mind you - I have just had a council tax bill... so they do owe me something She wasn't anything special, just a gingernut ranger straight from Omlet - not worth anything, except her eggs! But I can't help but feel whoever as taken her has done so simply to be a nuisance. As for grunges - I don't think anyone has one against me! However much I may moan about the area, I haven't upset anyone (yet!). Oh well - I am resigned to the fact I have lost one - it is just a shame my first loss hasn't been to old age, or something equally dignified. Poor little girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 I'd still report it, it's the 2nd time and they might be back again. Other than that, as already suggested beef up your security and maybe get cameras-pity man traps are illegal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheChookKeeper Posted November 23, 2007 Author Share Posted November 23, 2007 I have just reported it all on the very technological Kent Police website - all very posh! I am sure it will give someone a laugh tomorrow morning when they get that... Item Stolen: 1x Chicken Value: £10 (and a lifetime of eggs) Thanks everyone for all your moral support - I wondered if maybe those little spikes on top of the fence would help deter people? I don't fancy barbed wire!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 I have just reported it all on the very technological Kent Police website - all very posh! I am sure it will give someone a laugh tomorrow morning when they get that... Item Stolen: 1x Chicken Value: £10 (and a lifetime of eggs) Thanks everyone for all your moral support - I wondered if maybe those little spikes on top of the fence would help deter people? I don't fancy barbed wire!!! I'd place a line if chicken poos along the top of the wall. See how they like that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 You can buy that spikey stuff that goes along the top of fences - that will stop them. What a horrible thing to happen. You really MUST report it, as its not only a theft, but trespass too. The Police are obliged,I think, to look into any cases like this,even if it is 'just a chicken' I hope you find her today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocolatedog Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 Especially the huge sloppy ones they seem to do first thing in the morning after laying!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 A theft is a theft is a theft, be it chicken or lawnmover. Glad you have reported the loss of your girl, & I hope that you get her back very soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 What a horrible shock for you Steve. I would be really distressed if something like that happened. I'm glad you have reported it because if (hopefully not) it happens again, the police prefer to have a log of events rather than you telling them then that it has happened before. Poor hen, she must be very frightened. I hope you have some good news today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 If I was you, I would get some razor wire for your fence!! It's fairly cheap from ebay and it comes as a package complete with warning signs. You are perfectly legally able to take precautions on protecting your property as long as you provide clear warnings! And a cheap cctv system/webcam could help as well - again put warning signs up, otherwise the evidence will not be submissable in court! I really hate theiving scumbags with a passion!!! - Not that we have much of that around here (we are really lucky actually) P.S. I wouldn't as "xChicken04x" and some others stated contact the police... They are absoultely useless in cases like this and would just provide you with a crime reference number and fob you off... You would just be another statistic which is pointless, over than for informing potential buyers that your area is rough! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 I'd recommend installing a PIR floodlight or two - cheap option and very effective, together with a couple of 'Beware of the Dog' signs to go along the fence. Are you able to borrow a friend's dog on random occasions? That'd scare the pants off them too. Glad that you reported it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 I have a beware of the cat sign... just like the dog one. Just not put it up yet I am going to put it on the wooden drive gates at the side of the house. I have a ceramic beware of the cats sign which I bought once in Spain outside the back door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 It's 3 years since my lurcher died, but I keep the dog signs on the side gate... just in case Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 I'd recommend installing a PIR floodlight or two - cheap option and very effective, together with a couple of 'Beware of the Dog' signs to go along the fence. Are you able to borrow a friend's dog on random occasions? That'd scare the pants off them too. Glad that you reported it. The problem with PIR lights is that yes they allow you to easily see the garden when they go off, but they also help your intruder to easily see around more clearly! You can get PIR lights with plugin indoor chimes - I use them so that I am aware when the light goes off and can look out instantly to check on things! The beware of the dog signs are an absoulte must if you have a dog, otherwise you just come across as an easy target who is paranoid about security. The borrowing a dog is a good idea, but in practise it will not be there when you need it! The best deterrent would be your own dog... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 My neighbours are very close, so the PIR light has stopped the little herberts who used to bunk over my fence - it lights them up for all the world to see Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
