Chicopee Chickens

[Good Neighbor]

I've been reading up on chicken keeping since my neighbor has built a large coop in his backyard. At first he started with a few chickens, now he has about 10. He then expanded his coop fencing from a small area to the entire back yard and attached it the chain link fence that divides our backyards. OK. His yard, he can do what he wants, he and his family are lovely neighbors. They often make changes to their yard that effect our property but still, lovely people. I just wanted to say something on this forum since everyone is pro-chicken keeping. I suggest talking to your neighbors first. It is the right thing to do. Those chickens are 50 feet from our living room windows. Chickens are all we see now. But that wasn't the problem. Then the rooster came. The rooster crows ALL DAY LONG. At first we thought we would get used to it. But 7:30AM last Sunday I reached my limit and went tracking up to the neighbors door. I asked that he keep his roosters in the coop on Sundays past 7:30 AM as Sunday is the only day of the week that we can catch some sleep past 6AM. He said he was sorry. I just don't understand how that crowing all morning, all day, all evening doesn't bother them?! Now there are bright flashing lights on the coop at night that reflect into our living room. I read up and now know that is meant to keep predators out and I am more understanding of the annoyance. It makes me sad, after reading all of your posts, that this guy ruins the reputation of all of the responsible chicken keepers in Chicopee. The other neighbors appear to be reaching their limit as well as just yesterday, as that rooster was crowing away, I heard someone scream at the top of their lungs: SHUT UP! I had to laugh because I am reaching that point as well. To all you good chicken keepers in Chicopee: Kudos! To my neighbor next door: I hope you read these posts and learn how to treat your neighbors with respect. I am reaching the point of putting in a complaint with the city which I do NOT want to do as I do not want bad blood between neighbors. I am just hoping that I can make it until Fall when the windows will be closed and the rooster will not be as loud. And for all of you have lost your flock to predators, I am so sorry. I read these posts and I feel terrible. Good luck in the future.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I've been reading up on chicken keeping since my neighbor has built a large coop in his backyard. At first he started with a few chickens, now he has about 10. He then expanded his coop fencing from a small area to the entire back yard and attached it the chain link fence that divides our backyards. OK. His yard, he can do what he wants, he and his family are lovely neighbors. They often make changes to their yard that effect our property but still, lovely people. I just wanted to say something on this forum since everyone is pro-chicken keeping. I suggest talking to your neighbors first. It is the right thing to do. Those chickens are 50 feet from our living room windows. Chickens are all we see now. But that wasn't the problem. Then the rooster came. The rooster crows ALL DAY LONG. At first we thought we would get used to it. But 7:30AM last Sunday I reached my limit and went tracking up to the neighbors door. I asked that he keep his roosters in the coop on Sundays past 7:30 AM as Sunday is the only day of the week that we can catch some sleep past 6AM. He said he was sorry. I just don't understand how that crowing all morning, all day, all evening doesn't bother them?! Now there are bright flashing lights on the coop at night that reflect into our living room. I read up and now know that is meant to keep predators out and I am more understanding of the annoyance. It makes me sad, after reading all of your posts, that this guy ruins the reputation of all of the responsible chicken keepers in Chicopee. The other neighbors appear to be reaching their limit as well as just yesterday, as that rooster was crowing away, I heard someone scream at the top of their lungs: SHUT UP! I had to laugh because I am reaching that point as well. To all you good chicken keepers in Chicopee: Kudos! To my neighbor next door: I hope you read these posts and learn how to treat your neighbors with respect. I am reaching the point of putting in a complaint with the city which I do NOT want to do as I do not want bad blood between neighbors. I am just hoping that I can make it until Fall when the windows will be closed and the rooster will not be as loud. And for all of you have lost your flock to predators, I am so sorry. I read these posts and I feel terrible. Good luck in the future.

I am sorry you are feeling so frustrated. One thing to consider, you suggest communication with neighbors - I would submit that that communication goes both ways. Just as your neighbor may have approached you to discuss his plans, so to could you have approached him at any point along the way as your concerns and irritations grew. Rather than write this post and include "I hope you read this and......" - go knock on the door, ask to talk and voice your issues directly to the person in question.
Have you looked into the ordinances regarding keeping poultry in your locality? Many times those ordinances specifically address (prohibit) the keeping of crowing birds within city limits, etc

 

[Egghead_Jr]

It seems you and your neighbors biggest concern is the constant crowing. I don't know of any town that does not have a noise ordinance. What qualifies for dogs and loud music also goes for crowing. Look up your noise codes. He may have to get rid of the offending bird.

I lived in a town where noise ordinance was in effect from 9am to 9pm. They vary from town to town.