UPS man asking me for pigeons

[zoo keeper]

This last week I had a package delivered by UPS. The UPS man walked into the garage to sit the box down and could see into my back yard. He saw my pigeons, well the next question was if he could have some. I told him I only had a few and they were my pets. He preceded to tell me he had been looking for pigeons to dog train with and had been trying to catch ferals unsuccessfully.

OK I lost it. I went postal on the UPS man. I told him that was sick, in humane, and he should be very careful of animal rights groups. I dont think it even hit with him because he told me it was pigeon season all year long and he can shoot any he sees.

I have been a bit worried ever since that I will have missing pigeons in the morning. I am sure that is not really necessary to worry like that, but I still have worried.

[Pigeonpal2002]

Hi Tanya,

I'm sorry that this didn't play out like you expected, I didn't expect to read that either as I was following along in your story

I would doubt this UPS guy would come back to your place to take pigeons but you never know. I hope you've got good locks and precautions in place for your loft. I would worry about anyone getting to my birds if they were outside, kids mostly but just nasty people.

[feralpigeon]

Originally Posted by zoo keeper

.....

OK I lost it. I went postal on the UPS man. I told him that was sick, in humane, and he should be very careful of animal rights groups. I dont think it even hit with him because he told me it was pigeon season all year long and he can shoot any he sees.

......

Hi zoo keeper,

Most cities/towns have local ordinances governing the discharging of fire arms within the city/town limits, so I don't know if he's simply an ignoramus or he was trying to blow smoke up the proverbial. I too, would be concerned about him coming back specifically and in general, nasty folk who would think it 'fun' to have at your pets. Making sure the area is secure is a good idea. You might want to consider making a complaint w/customer service for UPS about his comments, I doubt they would want a driver appearing at customer homes making inappropriate comments like that whether they like pigeons specifically or not. It seems somewhat like a veiled threat in that he did see yours, and according to his statement, now he can shoot them. What a jerk.

fp

[mr squeaks]

I would consider reporting him too, BUT, ON THE OTHER HAND, IF he finds out, he could REALLY get angry!

This is the proverbial "rock and hard place" scenario.

I would tend to doubt that he would retaliate against you at this point, namely because, he would be FIRST suspect and could get into a LOT of trouble!

Then, on the other hand, if he's "nutso," well...very hard to say *sigh*

Guess, I would echo other suggestions to be EXTRA vigilant for awhile...

[Trees Gray]

Hi zookeeper,

I can understand your fear, I would keep my eyes open, but I really doubt that he is going after your pets because he knows, you would know immediately who took them.

This is obviously someone you couldn't talk to and it won't get you anywhere to try so I would avoid any kind of confrontations with this persons, but do find out laws within the city limits regarding use of firearms. If it is illegal, he needs to know, and that might keep him from shooting our ferals.

[Maggie-NC]

Frankly, I wouldn't report him. There are some idiots "out there" and you just never know. We occasionally have strangers actually drive up and ask to see our pigeons. We try to be courteous but I'm always wary. A few months ago we decided to put locks on both aviaries but as my husband says, anyone who wants to hurt them won't let a lock get in the way.

Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised at people's interest. We have made two casual friends from the strangers who drop by, both have pigeons and are very nice people.

On the positive side of this issue, a few years ago, we rehabbed a little barn swallow that we had to keep for awhile due to her injuries. We had to make sure we always had meal worms on hand because that was all it would eat. Our postman at that time always seemed a little grumpy, never saying much. One time I was so concerned about our worm shipment that I waited for him and told him the situation and asked that he please be on the lookout and not leave the worms in the sun. Well, this man made a special trip back to our home to deliver the worms and from that point on would go out of his way to help. I took the little swallow out to meet him one day and he was enchanted with it. He got seriously ill about a few months later and had to retire. I would send him cards signed with the bird's name. After his health improved he actually dropped by to see how the little bird was doing.

Sometimes its hard to read people.

[ZigZagMarquis]

ZK... you mean you Attack Pugs wouldn't drive anyone off that got into your backyard without permission?

[Steelers Army]

that he can start shooting his own dog 1st before he shoots the pigeons to train his dog. I always remember " dont get mad get even " Im sure he will be pissed after you say to shoot his dog b4 the birds. besides he like to be a good shooter let his dog run from a distance and try to shoot it, dont get me wrong here I do have a dog but I cant kill an animal just for sports or fun, now if we are trying to prevent cats staying away from our loft/coop do what ever it takes to keep them off, oh and from the other forum that I posted about shooting the cat/s with BB gun I do have a paintball gun not BB and never use it not even once...

Anyway just get even with his words say something back not like he will come back with the police after you tell him to shoot his own dog...And I dont think theres such thing as pigeon season...

Oliver

[nabisho]

avoid UPS deliveries for a while.

NAB :-)

[Victor]

Wow, what a story to share. Your pigeon avatar really sums it up, It reminded me of you chasing after the UPS guy! I agree that as long as you have your loft properly secured, you should be alright.I guess you never really know what is on some peoples minds, til they "open up".

[Lin Hansen]

Maggie,

I really enjoyed your story about the postman and the barn swallow. It was very touching.

Zookeeper, sorry you had to have such a bad experience with the UPS guy...

Linda

[BTut]

I would just let it go. Not all people are what you want to make them be. You can make people good in your mind or make them bad. Frst get to know them we should not judge someone on first impressions only.That makes us the kooks not them, Smile and say i am sorry i can not help you thats all.let it go.You file a complaint you effect his family are they worth hurting

[John_D]

Err ... this thread is over three years old

[BTut]

Originally Posted by John_D

Err ... this thread is over three years old

woops sorry