Free ranging problem with neighbor

[CLchickenmama]

Ok so let me start by stating - I absolutely do not regret free ranging my chickens. They are healthy, happy, produce good eggs and it’s less work.

But now my neighbor has suddenly decided they are a problem after MONTHS. I can’t suddenly make them not free range. I have been making them stay in the run more because of a fox that ran into my yard (attempt was not successful) but still- after like 10 am my chickens go out in the world and find their food. And I would just like to state- I only have 5 birds left. We got 8 originally and it’s my first flock so I wanted to start small and learn. We are surrounded by woods and fields but sometimes they go in her yard. It feels more frustrating than anything else because they don’t actually do anything over there except eat bugs. She doesn’t have a garden in any form- it’s just a lawn.Maybe I am just looking to vent...

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

Well...As much as I like chickens and their bug eating abilities while free ranging; it is your responsibility to contain your animals on your property.

 

[LaFleche]

Well, you as the owner of the chickens are responsible for keeping them on your own property and out of other peoples yards.

It does not matter whether your neighbour has flower beds or vegetable garden or nothing at all. It is not your property to use.

 

[bobbi-j]

Well...As much as I like chickens and their bug eating abilities while free ranging; it is your responsibility to contain your animals on your property.

This says it all. It doesn’t matter if she has a garden or not, or if your chickens don’t do anything but eat bugs over there, it’s her right to have a chicken-free yard if she wants to.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I also am a fence them into your own property person.

I wouldn't want the neighbors dogs in my yard even if they were just laying about any more than they want my bug patrol in theirs.

It is a respect and courtesy thing.

 

[bobbi-j]

Oh, and they will get used to being in a run. Make sure it’s large enough for them and they’ll be fine. Sounds like it’s the safest option for them anyway, since you are surrounded by fields and woods (great predator habitat).

 

[reddogmaster2]

Ok so let me start by stating - I absolutely do not regret free ranging my chickens. They are healthy, happy, produce good eggs and it’s less work.

But now my neighbor has suddenly decided they are a problem after MONTHS. I can’t suddenly make them not free range. I have been making them stay in the run more because of a fox that ran into my yard (attempt was not successful) but still- after like 10 am my chickens go out in the world and find their food. And I would just like to state- I only have 5 birds left. We got 8 originally and it’s my first flock so I wanted to start small and learn. We are surrounded by woods and fields but sometimes they go in her yard. It feels more frustrating than anything else because they don’t actually do anything over there except eat bugs. She doesn’t have a garden in any form- it’s just a lawn.Maybe I am just looking to vent...

Vent or not, it is not surprising to me that people do not understand property rights. Communication skills are another issue that I just don't understand because it seems that we are losing the ability to communicate to one and other.

Rant over...now to the solution.

Keep your chickens out of your neighbors yard. Period.

Bake your neighbor a pie or something yummy and take it over and apologize for your rudeness. Ask for forgiveness and then build a fence or Run and respect your neighbors property. Hopefully they will forgive you and enjoy the pie!

After things calm down, in a few weeks show up with some cold adult beverages and a Twister game.....record their reaction!

Good luck!

 

[3KillerBs]

I can’t suddenly make them not free range

Yes, actually, you can.

It is 100% your responsibility to keep your chickens on your own property. That's part of having an animal.

The chickens will get used to being in their fenced run.

 

[LaFleche]

I can’t suddenly make them not free range. I have been making them stay in the run more because of a fox that ran into my yard (attempt was not successful) but still- after like 10 am my chickens go out in the world and find their food.

If you feel a run would be too small, you always have the option to fence in your whole yard for them.

 

[aart]

But now my neighbor has suddenly decided they are a problem after MONTHS.

So, sounds like they gave it a shot.