Hearing tomorrow, all of our neighbors and 10 others are against our coop. Any tips?

[Sonoran Silkies]

Personally I think you are underestimating the amount of manure. Not that it is anywhere near what they imply, but it is more than you state. Unless you have factual sources that you can quote on the amount, (and do provide that source, if you do) I would not give such specific phrasing. I would note that you plan on having only ____ hens, versus the many thousands that are kept in commercial facilities. Note that a single compost heap will be more than adequate for composting their waste.

Have a scaled plan of your lot (and neighboring properties), and show where you plan to locate your birds. Be sure to show the distances to their property lines and houses. Be sure to label your kids playhouse as such.

If you plan to be NPIP, mention that and that the regular testing required for NPIP tests for salmonella.

There are very few zoonotic diseases of poultry, and most are uncommon, and not passed to humans by living near poultry--they require direct or close contact.

 

[detz]

So, we GOT THE PERMIT! It was unanimously approved because the board was knowledgable on raising chickens and the facts won out. I do regret my statement about my neighbors being "older guys with no jobs", my neighbors are nice people I was just hot headed because they went behind our backs without have the courtesy to come talk to us.

I think it's a shame we have to have these meetings, we definitely are on the neighborhood ****-list now but I'm confident that once they see that chickens are no worse than dogs or cats things will cool down. Anyways, thanks for the tips and facts but honestly I think the board had a decision after reading the statements the neighbors sent in as they've been through this many times before.

 

[matt44644]

 

[enola]

Congratulations !!!!!

 

[Percheron chick]

Good job! So I guess they will want to buy your extras?

 

[SizzleQueen]

I am so happy for you! I had a good feeling about this to begin with.. please keep us updated on your babies!

 

[Purpletie3]

That's great news! I am very happy for you!!!

 

[Curlyginger]

So, we GOT THE PERMIT! It was unanimously approved because the board was knowledgable on raising chickens and the facts won out. I do regret my statement about my neighbors being "[COLOR=333333]older guys with no jobs", my neighbors are nice people I was just hot headed because they went behind our backs without have the courtesy to come talk to us.[/COLOR] 

I think it's a shame we have to have these meetings, we definitely are on the neighborhood ****-list now but I'm confident that once they see that chickens are no worse than dogs or cats things will cool down. Anyways, thanks for the tips and facts but honestly I think the board had a decision after reading the statements the neighbors sent in as they've been through this many times before.

Giving them some eggs will also probably help smooth things over. My neighbors have never kicked a fuss about the chickens (most seem pretty tickled by the fact that we keep them), but I hand out eggs as a way to keep the good will coming. Congratulations and best of luck with your flock!

 

[Christin]

Good job!

 

[HTPickles]

Congrats! Did you have to give your whole speech? Did you go in with a proactive defense or was the board supportive? Would you have had to have this hearing if your neighbors hadn't spoken out?

Can I recommend Dodge Grain in Salem NH for chicks and supplies. They are great there, old fashioned customer service you can't find anywhere else.