Chicken regret?

[Soon2BChixMom]

You could keep them in their coop until a bit later and let them out when the noise wouldn't be as bothersome. If you cannot physically do it due to work, I recommend an auto door. Love mine.
Also, I remember thinking what did I get myself into when I first got chickens, but they really grow on you. I would give them to a new owner though if it turned out not to be what I thought it would because there is always something going on with the chickens to worry about.

 

[wyoDreamer]

It sounds like you are tying yourself up in knots over something that MIGHT happen. Are you allowed to keep chickens? Have you talked to the complainer to find out what the objections are?
Some people are never going to be happy with chickens in the neighborhood. Some are all worried about "Status" and think that chickens will make the neighborhood seem shabby and poor. They will find any excuse to complain.
Take some time and enjoy your chickens.
Yes, chickens can be loud. Drapes on the windows to keep the coop dark will help keep them quite until later in the day.
Do you have a plan on how to keep the coop clean and dry. How are you dealing with the poop and dirty litter? Odor control is key in the smaller coops in a residential area.

 

[moremargothanbarbara]

I think you're right.
I clean the poo out of the shed (coop) every couple of days and I use aubiose in their run as it's on paving, so change that once a week.
I was putting food out the night before which was keeping them quiet but I think that's a bad idea in case of rodents over night soa giving them veggies in the morning.
I think the make a lot of noise often due to food demands but it only keeps them quiet for an hour or so.

 

[sourland]

Tough decision. It appears that you are a very caring and considerate person. Are flocks are supposed to be a joy not a worry. Given your degree of caring, perhaps finding a new home for your hens is a good idea. This is why I live where I have no immediate neighbors.

 

[moremargothanbarbara]

All your responses are really helpful and giving me lots to think about thank you

 

[wyoDreamer]

Maybe you need more things for them to do in their run. Do you have roosts out there for them, maybe make something for them to do like a hanging treat for them to peck at. My chickens love to scratch through all the leaves and weed clippings looking for sunflower seeds. Keeps them busy and quiet.

 

[Dona Worry]

I think you're right.
I clean the poo out of the shed (coop) every couple of days and I use aubiose in their run as it's on paving, so change that once a week.
I was putting food out the night before which was keeping them quiet but I think that's a bad idea in case of rodents over night soa giving them veggies in the morning.
I think the make a lot of noise often due to food demands but it only keeps them quiet for an hour or so.

Giving them their food free-choice during the day might help. I give mine a higher protein feed--22%-- and throw the 90% rule out the window lol. They have the free choice food, but also all the squashy tomatoes, apple peels/scraps, watermelon, and overgrown cucumbers they want, and keep very busy and quiet!

 

[moremargothanbarbara]

Yes they have roosts, one of the dogs shiny red balls I hang treats and scatter veggies, seeds and corn for them. I hung cds up as I heard they liked shiny things and they have a pallet to hide behind they like that

 

[Dona Worry]

Yes they have roosts, one of the dogs shiny red balls I hang treats and scatter veggies, seeds and corn for them. I hung cds up as I heard they liked shiny things and they have a pallet to hide behind they like that

It sounds like a chicken paradise! Got any pictures?
I apologize if I missed it, but what are the coop and run dimensions? And do you have a dust bathing area?

 

[moremargothanbarbara]