Free ranging problem with neighbor

[Aapomp831]

More than likely, it was fine at first and probably entertaining to watch your chickens in the yard. Then someone probably stepped in poo and that was the end of that.... I would imagine.
Our chickens free range and we have a very large soybean field next to our house that does not belong to us. We put up a 2 ft “fence” of chicken wire as a barrier and they are too content to realize they can fly right over it and stay put. Not only do I think the neighbor wouldn’t appreciate my chickens in his field, but it’s also dangerous for them as they can’t see impending danger coming and I’m afraid they’ll get run over by a tractor.
But damn, people. Everyone is being so harsh, calm down. I’m sure the original poster aware of property rights and all that noise but she is simply expressing frustration over something that used to be ok and is suddenly not. I don’t think she has any rudeness to apologize for.

 

[abpatchy]

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...

Well... even if they only eat bugs. And do nothing else. Even if your neighbor has no garden only a lawn. Your chickens do one thing over there for sure. They poop! I know I would not want my neighbors dogs, cats or chickens to come over to my yard and poop. It's probably not what you want to hear but I agree: keep them on your property. Maybe some netting for the beginning to keep them in.

 

[RevlisRemmah]

I have a flock that I do not allow to free range. My neighbor does and they come over all the time. It’s not just having chickens in the yard, they poop everywhere- where my dog can eat it and my children can play in it. They dig all around the foundation of our house. They scratch up the grass. And they are not mine. So I understand why your neighbor doesn’t want the chickens over there.

 

[K0k0shka]

Letting your animals onto other people’s property freely, no matter what kind of animal (chicken, dog, even cat) is rude and inconsiderate. Trying to spin it like the neighbor is the problem and refusing to budge from your position is even worse. Apologize and keep your animals on your own land.

 

[reddogmaster2]

I have a flock that I do not allow to free range. My neighbor does and they come over all the time. It’s not just having chickens in the yard, they poop everywhere- where my dog can eat it and my children can play in it. They dig all around the foundation of our house. They scratch up the grass. And they are not mine. So I understand why your neighbor doesn’t want the chickens over there.

Just tossin' it out, but it may be time to teach the kiddo's not to play in poop!

 

[K0k0shka]

Just tossin' it out, but it may be time to teach the kiddo's not to play in poop!

Or maybe it’s time to teach the neighbor basic respect and civility.

 

[Rooapalooza]

Here's my long story:

I've made the same mistake with my chickens. The neighbor next to me has an empty field about two normal sized lots between the fence and his house, which the chickens love to search through. Luckily the one time I asked he said it was fine with them being there. So until he says otherwise I just make sure they aren't getting too close to his house. I got a little complacent after that conversation.

Across the road from me is a problem. I had no idea my chickens were crossing until one time I saw them basically at my neighbor's front door. I called them back and then laughed about it. I didn't realize they had been doing that regularly until I got a very angry voicemail. I had never spoken to them and was very intimidated so I didn't go talk to them then (I regret this now.)
I tried many solutions but the best one for me was bird net. I got a 7ft tall 100ft roll and hung it across the lawn from the fence to the house. It worked better than my fence since they couldn't fly to the top, and the bottom caught on the grass so they couldn't find a way under.
Anyway every once in a while I had to take it down for some reason or one of the chickens was particularly clever and got out. I didn't know it was happening, but again they were going to the neighbor's house and messing up their front garden. After another message from them, I finally went over to talk. They were extremely nice in person. Basically they just asked me to keep the chickens away, but if they did get into their lawn, help them clean up any mess. It was a very relieving conversation.

I always wondered what was drawing them to cross the street on that side, into that lawn all the time. Then I was talking to their next door neighbor and she mentioned she loves to toss them treats over her fence, which is straight into the neighbor's lawn! Hilarious. I need a sign that says, "Don't feed the chickens!" or "Feed a chicken once, and she will never leave you."

Moral of the story: Talk to your neighbor in person. I don't know what your set-up/lawn looks like, but I personally prefer putting up a barrier rather than making a run. One side is easier than four sides, lol. If you post pictures of your area, I'm sure we could brainstorm a solution.

 

[Galeann]

Sorry your flocks' ideal plain has to be more confined. You seem like a caring person that wanted your neighbors to share in your fun of watching the chickens. I hope you're able to execute a solution soon to maintain neighborhood and flock peace.

 

[reddogmaster2]

Or maybe it’s time to teach the neighbor basic respect and civility.

I'm with ya, Girlfriend! (But I believe it is Parenting 101 to teach the little rug rats that poop is not a good thing to play with! But then again, we raised our children a long time ago and things may have changed?)

 

[Gooseface]

I wouldn’t want chicken crap all over my lawn either. I own chickens and have them confined to a specific area for that very reason. If I DIDN’T own chickens, you can bet I would have a huge problem with chickens crapping all over my lawn. Seems like they were being nice at first and giving the chickens a chance but decided it was just too much. Put up a fence, build them a run, or move. They shouldn’t have to deal with your chickens in their yard once they tell you they are not happy with the situation no matter how long it’s been.