We think our neighbors have been stealing our chickens, what to do?

Question

We think our neighbors have been coming into our yard, killing, and stealing our chickens, and yes it was a person who did it. Yes there was feathers, and other parts from the chickens lying around the pen, but we think they only did that to throw us off, plus there's no sign of force of entry so there's no way an animal could've done it unless they can open doors, how can we find out who did it, and report them?

Answer 1

When I hear something like this I first think Opossums, racoons, hawks, fox. .If you think it is your neighbors rig up lights and leave the window open so you can hear any disturbance. The ideal solution would be a hidden camera.. A dog might help. You dont need a viscious one---just one that barks a warning---Yogi

Answer 2

"The other parts from the chickens lying around the pen."  So they are killing them in the pen and ripping them apart?  SICK!!  What kind of Neighbours do you have?

you need to set up a trap for the people and maybe an animal tape as well.  Catch them in the act.  Once you get some evidence on them you can report them.

I would first check the coop over inside and out.  Look for any hole even the smallest.  It could be an animal. You really need to look over  every inch of the coop.  

If you live next to people that would do this I would be worried.  They need to be stopped.  That's sick.  Its one thing to kill them humanly and eat them but it is another thing to rip them apart and leave body parts around the cage.  SICK.  

Answer 3

Yes,  But  only  if  it  happens  again.  If  you  do  make  sure  you  have  proof  it  was  them.

Answer 4

instal security cameras it's what my uncle did and found the culprit his rotten neighbor.....do this and stay up all night with a loaded shotgun....just kidding don't do that but i would just to scare......just humor......but yeah do the camera part. or you can instal one of those motion lights you know the ones when in the dark turn on when something moves

Answer 5

you should just go to them and ask them the truth. maybe they will tell you. after all it's your chickens.

Answer 6

First of all, where do you live? Try not to let the neighbors know you suspect them....then wait up during the night and see if you can catch them. Or, set up a video surveillance system...rather expensive. A motion detection light would also help, and it isn't that expensive.

Answer 7

I would, as others have said, set up a small surveillance camera in the pen. Also, if you'd rather have a simple method, lock the door to the pen at night so the thief can't enter the pen. I would warn the person you suspect that if they steal another chicken you will report them to the police.

Answer 8

I bought a motion detector fake video camera.  It run on batteries and deters even the most evil of nayboors.

Answer 9

If you can afford it try putting a video cam up in the penhouse or where you keep them. You cant accuse them of anything till you have evidence or proof so either warn them about it or install a video cam

Answer 10

You can actually set up a web cam that is motion activated. So it will not record anything until your neighbor (or whoever) walks in front of it. If you do a little research you can actually set this up just for the cost of the web cam. CHEAP!!!

This way you won't have hours and hours or tape to review later.

This is how my brother in law found out his wife was having an affair in their house. He got it on tape!!!

Answer 11

IF u suspect its the neighbors call the police or get a guard dog for future sake...

Answer 12

You can stay out at night and watch from a bush, or put out a camera, but I highly doubt a person would leave your chickens the way they were left. I know people would kill them maybe but i dont think that they would leave chicken parts laying around. Sounds more like a coyote. Coyotes can climb and jump over certain fence.