I can't believe it's happened again

[CoraxAurata]

Thats just awful!

There was an article in Smallholder magazine about 6 months ago apparently there is a black market for the pure breeds With some such as Orpingtons and even the more homely Marans making �250 for a pair or more!

So sorry Suechooks, put a bad cockeral in there and tell everyone you've got some more..... or a webcam?....

[MaureenHall]

I don't know whether or not a light coming on when there's trespassers around would help or not, but I've got 2 solar-powered lights with movement sensors over my runs at home now, really to upset any foxes who might decide to pay a return visit, but something like that might put them off a little bit? I think I'm probably being a bit naive thinking that, but who knows? I'm afraid I trust everyone until they cross me or prove me wrong

[Suechooks]

Yes good idea Mo. We're also thinking of trying to get a cctv set-up and have just been talking to council about improving security on site. A shed alarm has been suggested but i think that would terrify the birds and no one much would hear it.
My current thinking is more ex-batts as at least if they get stolen I will have made a difference to their sad little lives.

[MaureenHall]

I'm sure there must be some very clever techy people out there! How about someone modifying a movement sensor so that instead of (or as well as) a light coming on, a tape recording also comes on, something like "You're being filmed while you do that you know"

[Snadger]

Read this post first thing this morning but have put off replying until now as it would just hae been a string of swear words.

Extremely sorry for both you and your chooks Sue.

[MrsC]

How awful Sue, don't know what to say. Hugs x

[Seahorse]

Thats so rotten Sue I wish I could say or do something helpful.

Gwndy, perhaps we could ask that you pass on a hug from each of us?!

[HayleyB]

Sue how despicable for you, I'm so sorry for you

[Hilary B]

A thought about how the thieves knew. Maybe someone you trust indulged in careless talk? It's very easy to say a bit too much in the hearing of the wrong person......
An admiring comment about you getting on and having more (and more interesting) chickens after the previous theft, overheard by the 'wrong type' is all it would take. A potential thief may have heard about the previous occasion, and know the location from that.....

[Suechooks]

Yes that's another possibility Hilary. Doubt if it's anything to do with previous theft as it was over 2 years ago but even that is possible. There's no doubt the new girls were targetted. Woke up at 3.30 this morning then lay worrying till daylight and I could go and check and let the others out!
Off back there now to lay the minefield

[bluemoon]

I've only just read this and I really don't know what to say, I can't believe that people would steal someone's chickens. I'm torn between angry and upset. Like you I couldn't keep chickens at home; a combination of a small garden and two large dogs makes it impossible, but my allotment means I can keep them and they have rapidly become a big part of my life, I'd be devastated if I lost them. Our houses and runs have locks, but I thought I was only trying to keep foxes out, they wouldn't stand up to the two legged vermin with tools.
As for �250 for a pair of Marans, that's truly frightening. I have 6 hens and a cockerel, they didn't cost anything close to that. It's almost unbelievable that people will pay these ridiculous amounts and have the birds stolen to order.

[Nicos]

On our previous site there were gypsies camping in a nearby field....they nicked several hens and said they were theirs!!
Once the police were getting involved they were quickly returned ( piccies taken and therefore identifiable as a flock)

It does rather sound like yours were stolen to order...

[frias]

The gypsies that break into the park near us every year come armed with bolt cutters!

[Suechooks]

Yup the low-life definitely had bolt cutters as they sheared straight through heavyweight hasps and staples and cut the padlocks! There are cunning plans ahead to give the b.....s a nasty shock if they try again!

[Bramble-Poultry]

240volts should do it sue

No signs at leek today of anything resembeling them, theres Chelford on Monday and Penkeridge on Wednesday so eyes open again!