Deputy rescues loose chickens from neighborhood near Jordan Road

Deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to an unusual call Jan. 8 after several chickens were seen wandering through a neighborhood near Jordan Road and Bluegrass Circle. Officers tracked and contained the birds, then handed them to county animal control to keep them safe while officials search for the owner.

The sheriff’s office described the capture as requiring calm handling. “With some patience (and skill), he was able to corral and safely catch them,” the Sheriff’s Office said. The animals were placed briefly in the back of a deputy’s patrol vehicle until Douglas County Animal Control arrived to take custody.

As of 2:15 p.m. that day deputies said they were still looking for the chickens’ owner. Residents who recognize the birds or who believe their poultry escaped should contact Douglas County Animal Services at 303-660-7529 to claim them and to clarify next steps for retrieval.

The episode is a reminder that even small livestock and backyard poultry can create public-safety and nuisance issues when loose in residential areas. Loose animals can disrupt traffic, stress neighborhood pets, and pose biosecurity risks to other birds. Local animal control agencies absorb the operational burden of responding to such calls, and recovering animals can be more time-consuming and costly when owners lack identifying information or contact details.

For Douglas County residents who keep chickens, a few practical steps reduce the chance of escapes and speed reunification if they occur: check fencing and coop latches after storms and snow, use leg bands or visible identification, and keep up-to-date contact information with local animal services if required by county regulations. Prompt reporting of loose animals also helps animal control recover them before they wander farther or encounter hazards.

This incident drew interest because of its novelty and because it highlights everyday responsibilities of urban and suburban animal ownership as Douglas County continues to balance rural traditions with denser neighborhood development. Deputies handled the situation without injury to people or animals, and Animal Control took custody while staff work to trace the flock’s home.

The takeaway? Secure your coop, label your birds, and save the county Animal Services number in your phone. Our two cents? A little prevention saves a lot of time and keeps both your chickens and your neighbors clucking happily.