chicken theft

[petal]

I have heard that chicken theft is on the up. If you look at practical poultry site their are numerous chicken burglaries around the country. The scum take what they want and massacre the rest to make it look like a fox. Have any of you come across this? I would like to think that my dog would warn me of sneaks entering my property but this has made me think- would I be willing to let her out to get them, would they draw the line at killing a dog?(got to get that german shephard...). How can I make my chooks more secure?

[Suechooks]

I've had 2 lots of chooks stolen! 2 years ago I lost 5 hybrid layers and this summer 5 pure breds I'd bought 10 days earlier from Wernlas Collection were taken. Second time they broke into the hut where the ex-batts and older hybrids were and left them. I'm retty sure I know who was behind the second theft as very few people knew they were there. Very difficult to do much as they're on my allotment so have to just keep upping security as much as I can, and make it known that my birds are financially worthless as theyre mostly ex-batts.

[HayleyB]

Incredible... Gobsmacked...

OH is gonna get his wish then Petal

[petal]

yep, german shepherd boy puppy next July called harold.

[HayleyB]

HAROLD another relative?

[moola]

secuirity wise - if your chooks are on the allotment then aside from heavy metal fencing then, nothing really. Some people bolt their coops but these are no real issue for a determined thief.
The majority of the theft is related to pure breed targeted stock and most people who have got breeding stock keep them fairly close to premises.

If you have yours in your garden it is always best to keep them as close to your house as possible. Not only to deter theft but also foxes

We have a sensor light near ours and also keep dogs so hopefully ours are ok. Fingers crossed though we may have a field to put them in next year which I am thrilled about one one hand but slightly hesitant on the other.