TheChookKeeper Posted November 28, 2007 Share Posted November 28, 2007 (edited) I can hardly believe it - and am absolutely fuming. The horrible little "beings" around here have broken into my garden again (3rd time in the space of a little over a week), and this time stolen 2 chickens, bringing me back down to 4. I suppose I should think myself lucky that they didn't re-steal the one they had last Thursday - she still hasn't recovered, and isn't laying. I still have no clue why - they are perfectly normal Gingernuts, nothing special, well, only as my pets! I had my dad around this evening (who is handy with powertools!) to look at securing the eglu cube. I already have a padlock on the run door, but he is going to install a bolt either side of the egg port door, with a steel bar between them, meaning the egg port can't be opened without undoing a padlock. It is going to make my eglu look like a max. security prison, but I am willing to go ahead with it to protect my girls from the scum who keep taking them. I have scoured the park they were found in both the previous times, but with no luck. I have again reported it to the Police, and hope they have someone phone in who has rescued them - otherwise I fear the worst. At least this time, I can be sure it was during the night (or early hours of this morning), as I checked they were all there last night before I went to bed. I can also see that they got them through the egg port, as where they shut the door again (weird, I know), they haven't got the bottom back in properly, and I certainly didn't leave it like that. We also think we can see where they are getting in - there is a gap in next doors' fence, and from next doors' garden, they can hop over the very low fence between our gardens with ease. Edited November 28, 2007 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 28, 2007 Share Posted November 28, 2007 can you not put up some sort of cctv, as mentioned last time, which will at least give the police something to go on- obviously it would need to be night vision or whatever it's called!? do you have anywhere secure, like a locked shed or garage to put the eglu into at night? I'm not sure how heavy they are to move but i'm throwing ideas out to try and help you..... you obviously need to addres the gap where they getting in and perhpas do some research into vandal prevention techniques on the web maybe? this is awful because they are only taking 2 birds and are careful to close the door afterwards, if it was yobs, they wouldn't be bothered about securing the eglu afterwards surely? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperman Posted November 28, 2007 Share Posted November 28, 2007 I think they read this forum and get a kick out of your anguish? It seems strange to me that you mentioned the eggport being vunerable in your last thread about these scumbags and low and behold..... I hope the CCTV footage is of use to the Police. Kev. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheChookKeeper Posted November 28, 2007 Author Share Posted November 28, 2007 Who knows - it may sound like I am burying my head in the sand, but I would really rather not think about who is taking them, and what for. I have a wireless camera in my shed, trained on the eglu and surrounding areas all the time, and it is motion activated, works really well, but unfortunately I bought it for viewing fish, so never invested in one with infra-red for night-vision. That said, an ex-quail keeper at work as promised to seek out his wireless night-vision camera for me, which might help - although obviously not an immediate solution. I am about to go and move a large fence panel in the way of the hole, which might prevent casual wanderings, but I really need to get the security on the eglu. The cube weighs a ton, and due to the uneven ground it is on, I have secured it down with pegs all around the run, so moving it at ANY time would be a pain in the bottom, let alone doing it every day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 by the way, what did the police say they would do this time? I'm afraid, if it was me, I'd demand they patrol the area regularly and on foot at night for the next few weeks- not sure I'd get far with that but I'd make a fuss and I'd keep on pestering them til they did do something! request a crime prevention officer visit you to see if he/she can suggest anything us mere mortals may have missed as we can't see your garden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheChookKeeper Posted November 29, 2007 Author Share Posted November 29, 2007 request a crime prevention officer visit you That isn't a bad idea at all - I may well ask that! I don't think I'd get anywhere asking for any kind of patrol, they have far bigger problems than my chickens being stolen. I am more likel to alienate them for being a bit "over the top". I haven't spoken to the Police personally - Kent Police have an online reporting tool, which works really well. Allows you to enter all the information they need, and they then get back to you with news. Nothing so far though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 if i think of anything else i'll re-post but keep us updated, I'm sure everyone is really concerned for you and your girls and i hope this gets sorted for you! if the cube is well secured and not movable then hopefully this will be the last time! check the park again tomorrow, you never know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 . I am more likel to alienate them for being a bit "over the top". it's not over the top IMO, I'd pay the local station a visit too but it's your call. Explain to them that they aren't just chickens, they're loved pets and you're very concerned for their welfare, not to mention the trespassing and theft! it's what your council tax pays for and you need their services. all the best xxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 Blimey! What a horrible time you are having. Can't add anything extra to what others have said...but best of luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 they are perfectly normal Gingernuts, nothing special, well, only as my pets! So sorry this has happened to you again . They may be "only" chickens, but they are still your pets. If someone stole your dog or cat the police would have to do something surely? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krysia Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 Im sorry to hear your horrible news, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 I think they read this forum and get a kick out of your anguish? It seems strange to me that you mentioned the eggport being vunerable in your last thread about these scumbags and low and behold..... Blimey Kev....you don't really suspect an Omleteer do you? For heaven's sake....don't name names! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocolatedog Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 I'd put broken glass or razor wire across the hole they're crawling through Sorry - this kind of thing brings out the worst in me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 Do you have a community cop in your area? - they often deal with the local 'youths' on the streets and in youth clubs etc. You could ask them to sniff about as some youngster will spill the beans eventually if they know anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenlass Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 I'm sorry this has happened again!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 I am horrified by this. It is something I fear as out garden is very accessible. I know you don't want to think about what might be happening to your chickens but are you sure its the local 'youth'? I think you should go and have a chat witht the police to make sure they are aware locally. Yo may find there have been other related incidents. I do hope you get them back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 Oh Steve, I'm so sorry to hear that it has happened again. I was going to suggest the local crime prevention officer, but Poet already has. I do hope that it gets sorted out soonest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovemychooks Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 So sorry to hear this has happened again, fingers crossed you find the chickens and the ******** who did this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 How awfull for you. As Couperman said, I wouldn't be suprised if they have triggered on to the fact you are on this forum (which isn't hard to work out, since you have an Omlet eglu cube.) Well if they are they I have a few things to say, not only is it highly pathetic to steal a chicken then release it into the park but it is even more pathetic to do it three times. Really what kind of life do these people have? They actually get up at all hours of the morning to steal a chicken, only to release it a few days later. Also, wasnt your username Steve something (sorry don't remember the last bit, I think it was your surname.) Well they probably know your name so, agian they might have logged on and saw it was you. Is there any was you could move your chooks in doors at night for a few weeks? Good luck with finding your girls, I would get this sorted as soon as possable. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperman Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 I think they read this forum and get a kick out of your anguish? It seems strange to me that you mentioned the eggport being vunerable in your last thread about these scumbags and low and behold..... Blimey Kev....you don't really suspect an Omleteer do you? For heaven's sake....don't name names! Of course I don't think its an Omleteer! But anyone with a computer can read this thread, or any other. I just thought that the morons might get a kick of reading about their exploits. I could also be wrong, I was once before They probably couldn't figure out how to turn a computer on. I just don't understand what would motivate someone to want to become a chicken rustler! Even if he manages to get his coveted ASBO, I don't think one for chicken rustling is going to get much respect from his fellow burberry clad muppets is it? (no offence Kermit). It's a sad day when you have to add padlocks and security to a chicken coop. I have an infra red camera on the back garden, I installed it to see if we were being visited by foxes and I must say it's rubbish until the security light comes on. The range is very poor. Good luck in getting your chooks back, Steve. Kev. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xraylady Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 I'd put broken glass or razor wire across the hole they're crawling through Sorry - this kind of thing brings out the worst in me! I'd be merrily stringing up an electric fence, cackling gleefully as I hooked it up to the super-duper-mega-plus-sized energiser after all you've been having a terrible time with 'foxes' haven't you? And when they get thrown across the yard by the mega-volts, I'd tell myself 'how lucky they are!'. Out here in the Wild West, chicken-nappers better be wearing a bullet-proof vest. . . Here's hoping the toads get bored with your hens . . . and sending you best wishes - from the home of Butch Cassidy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 Oh no, not again Your poor chickens Have you got any bean netting? That green netting with six inch square holes in it? It is really strong, and I just wondered if you fix it tightly over the cube so they cant get the doors open, would that work? So sorry this has happened again, your poor birds must be going through hell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 I am so sorry for you and your girls. I really hope these two turn up. I wonder if any other chickens in the area have been taken, like last time. I hope they turn up soon, poor girls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 I reckon a combination of xray lady's idea of electric fencing (remember that legally you have to put up signs - but make them obscure ) and the idea of a piece in the local paper - they always love stories like this - would work wonders. The paper article should mention that the police have taken this seriously and mounted CCTV in your garden. Let's hope that they get zapped in the goolies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonie Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 I hope you get your girls back soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
