Bummed...in PA

[FarAwayBoy]

Hello all,

I wasn't sure where to post this but needed to write this all out tonight because I'm bummed out and know this is a place to go.

Trying to keep it short: We found out just a few minutes ago that in the original developer of the homes (7 total) in our, literally, road in the woods imposed restrictions on poultry being raised on the properties. It had to be written up in the 1970s when the houses were built. The only reason I asked the previous owner about any knowledge they had of restrictions is due to the a neighbor who was fine with us planning to get chickens one minute and a few weeks later, not. She actually came over to "talk" (down to me) about it on my son's birthday, while I was cleaning up the yard prior to his a chicken-themed party. She brought up it being "in the deed"; but apparently, according to the previous owner, it's in the title or title insurance paperwork somewhere, though I haven't checked yet.

So, my awesome 6 year old had to be told that there was a chance that he couldn't get chickens. In his astounding, youthful optimism he said to me: "It's OK, we can still read about them, right? And maybe move to a place we can have them someday." I nearly balled.
Anyway, I might figure out how to change the old restriction since, I've heard I'm not the only one over teh years who has moved to the area and wanted chickens only to be shut down by the matriarchs of the little road. If it wasn't for her attitude towards me, I'd go for it, however I don't trust her and it'd be even harder to see the chickens go away AFTER raising them.

Thanks for ears/eyes folks. I truly needed this time and space to vent/be bummed.

Best,
Matt

 

[21hens-incharge]

If you live in the country then someone somewhere best be producing that document.

Is the house in some sort of HOA development?

No chickens eh? How about peacocks?
They have a call that cuts through everything!

 

[HeyHey]

or Guineas that will show them and drive them crazy

 

[CapricornFarm]

If you got adult guineas they would be begging for chickens instead! What a grown up boy you have! Maybe quail or ducks are allowed.

 

[twilightgecko]

there's gotta be a way around this.. i would want to see this paper/document too.. therapy chickens? lol.. ah, i feel for you.. perhaps something needs to be done to UPDATE this OLD fashioned rule..

 

[adrikeen]

@Matt

We have restrictions where I live too...so I empathize. Luckily I have cool neighbors. Do try to get the restrictions changed or at least a waiver for your property. You can always try a bantam hen and do a "house chicken"...even part time. They are easy to hide and some of the breeds are very quiet.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I would get the neighbors that want a "few" chickens together & petition for a change. But first I would go to "City Hall" to see with your own eyes where it states NO POULTRY. Very sweet of your Son to be so understanding, I can understand the No Roos but Hens, they feed us!

I walked away from a beautiful piece of property & lost our deposit when I didn't read the fine print where it said No Livestock, No Poultry, No Farm Animals. Now I ask first thing, just walked away from another house I fell in love with when the Realtor told us No Boats (Hubby) No Chickens (me).

 

[CapricornFarm]

I would get the neighbors that want a "few" chickens together & petition for a change. But first I would go to "City Hall" to see with your own eyes where it states NO POULTRY. Very sweet of your Son to be so understanding, I can understand the No Roos but Hens, they feed us!

I walked away from a beautiful piece of property & lost our deposit when I didn't read the fine print where it said No Livestock, No Poultry, No Farm Animals. Now I ask first thing, just walked away from another house I fell in love with when the Realtor told us No Boats (Hubby) No Chickens (me).

Yes, best to find out up front if there is an issue. One house we loved had no goat rules. Why i have no idea. Only the males smell and they aren't that noisy.

 

[Embalmergirl]

Not sure about the rules where I live, but since there are quite a few houses with backyard flocks I just went for it. I figured if anyone had a problem with it I would get all the other neighbors with flocks together to protest. Don't give up. Chickens are way too awesome to give up on.

 

[FarAwayBoy]

If you live in the country then someone somewhere best be producing that document.

Is the house in some sort of HOA development?

No chickens eh? How about peacocks?
They have a call that cuts through everything!

We live in a weird space between country and McMansions. Our road is sort of a cul-de-sac, but in the woods. Each house has at least an acre of land. So between the trees, shrubs and land there is a good buffer zone between homes. No HOA, I did check that because I did not want to be any part of one. I'm going to go through all our documents later today; ran out of energy yesterday. I have no idea why it wasn't more transparent when we signed for the house. We weren't thinking chickens until this past year when my son took a liking and big interest in them so I didn't check all the fine print.

I checked with the township and we're fine to have them, zoning is A OK. The coop just has to be a certain set-back from the property lines.

Definitely going to talk to the others in our neighborhood who have wanted them and see if I can't get this old restriction thrown out! Unfortunately, if it costs money (lawyers etc.) I'm not so sure I can go through with it.

Thank you all for the support! It's just what I needed!