animal control came and said to get rid of my chickens!

[BorderKelpie]

I found some awesome info on David's website (Buckeye chickens), try this link for home grown egg info: http://www.buckeyechickens.com/?p=347
Hope this helps!

 

[TommyVT05]

Thats such a bummer.

Especially "in the city" folks like me...hence "animals in the city" haha.

Good luck...I will be praying both for you and for me. Knock on wood.

Keep us updated!

- Tommy

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I would be careful on pushing the "home grown eggs" aspect. That's agriculture, and they are livestock.

You're contending that they are not livestock; they are pets. It's one thing to say that they are pets and as a bonus, give you the gift of fresh eggs, but if the eggs become a real part of the argument for why you should be allowed to keep them, then you have contradicted yourself, and admitted that they are livestock.

 

[b.hromada]

Quote:
I guess I should have said, we told them that they are pets, and then, secondly, we mentioned they eggs they give us. We also told them we don't sell the eggs, they are for us and we give them to family and friends as well. The "pets" of course was first, because, thats what they are, my pets. I just love getting their eggs, its so cool!

Thanks everyone for the help I'm getting here!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I think what you've said so far is fine, but pushing the idea about how homegrown eggs are better for you and your family's health would be detrimental to your cause.

Not disagreeing with it, but you need to stick to a plan that matches point by point the objections. If the eggs become any more important than a bonus, your argument that they are pets is diluted.

Not all livestock are raised for commercial profit--a calf that you raise for your family's freezer is still livestock--hens that are raised for the purpose of supplying your family with meat and eggs are livestock, even if you only have a few--where do they turn from pet to livestock? You don't want them to have to consider that question.

 

[b.hromada]

Thats true, I don't want them to say they aren't pets, because they are. I even invited them to come by or send someone by to check out how we have them in our backyard. So far, the only one who has seen where we keep them is one of our ACO, and he said that its fine, and he sees no problem with it, its just that this guy keeps complaining about them, and that the ordanance says no chickens. He also said, that animal control is a complaint driven division, and without a complaint, they would not even bother to come out here. If it was up to them, they don't care. the one I like, said he'd love to have a few hens, but he won't even go there.

I've had chickens now for 2 years, and its only these last, maybe 2 months that I have had problems.

 

[GBov]

I just wanted to wish you luck

 

[b.hromada]

Thanks very much GBov. I will keep everyone updated as soon as I know anything new.

 

[cassie]

Whenever you are dealing with a governmental agency that is telling you to do something insist that they give you the number of the ordinance or law they are citing. Then take yourself down to the local law library and look it up yourself. Very often what they tell you the law is and what the law actually is, is very different. The law library may be in the city hall. If you can't find it in the phone book, call any law office and ask the receptionist where the law library is. She should know. The reference librarians at the law libraries are usually very helpful.

 

[Chicks R Friends NOT Food]

Tell them it's part of your religion.

I use that excuse for everything. I don't know what religion would make you keep chickens but... It's funny anyway!

I think you should definately try to pursue harrassment charges, put up barbed wire with maybe a little electric charge? If asked why, say "predator problems". For a possibly better approach, put up something like this: http://www.thekatzes.com/galleries/turkey/images/Grape Vines 10_12_07.jpg by the fence, and you could have a nice edible shade area to sit in. while waiting for the grapes to grow, cover it in tarps or sometihng.
Then relocate the chickens across the yard as planned, where they won't be visible, and pen up some loud flock or the other right next to the "problem area" be sure to check with your ACO, local laws/ordinances that you can have them first. Just make sure they aren't so loud as to bother the other neighbors.
You don't need New enemies.
GOOD LUCK!

*Edited for spelling