Help... Free ranging and neighbors?

[Lemon-Drop]

So, when I let my chickens free range, they LOVE it! I try to do it as often as possible... however, they ALWAYS go into the neighbors yard. Luckily the neighbor is very nice and doesn't mind all that much, but I would really like that not to happen anymore. I can't build a fence, and I have no other ideas of how to keep them out.

I guess the grass is always greener on the other side.

They are trained to come when they call, and then are rewarded with treats. However, they are getting a LOT of treats... too many in my opinion, and are emptying the mealworm bag quickly.

That's because I call them every time they go into the neighbors.

But then I was thinking... are they learning that if they go in the neighbors they get mealworms?

Any help, please?

Thanks in advance.

 

[sourland]

I think they may be training YOU.

 

[LaFleche]

Get some poultry netting to keep them in your yard.

Even the friendliest neighbour might get fed up with chicken poop sticking on the soles of their feet or even worse, when walking barefoot inhis garden trying to relax and have a good time.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Have you tried calling them without giving them treats every time?

 

[neo71665]

Legally it's your responsibility to keep your animals on your property. I hate to be an a** but if you can't do it maybe you need to rethink owning animals.

Having a good neighbor is great but it can sour really fast one time somebody walks in their house and tracks chicken poop on a rug. You will be responsible for cleaning or replacing. A nice rug can easily cost as much as a fence.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Have you tried calling them without giving them treats every time?

I have... they ran up expectantly, then wandered off. They didn't go into the neighbors for a few minutes at least. I'm mostly worried that they will stop coming if they aren't rewarded.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Legally it's your responsibility to keep your animals on your property. I hate to be an a** but if you can't do it maybe you need to rethink owning animals.

Having a good neighbor is great but it can sour really fast one time somebody walks in their house and tracks chicken poop on a rug. You will be responsible for cleaning or replacing. A nice rug can easily cost as much as a fence.

Oh... I didn't know that! Here most people let their chickens, dogs, cats, etc wander around

Though I don't want to be doing "illegal" stuff.

One of my neighbors enjoys the chickens wandering their yard (they like the entertainment of watching them run around)

The other is a really great friend and doesn't care all that much, but I want to keep the chickens out of their garden so they don't eat everything.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

With respect, if you can't keep your birds on your property, you need to stop free ranging them. and if you can't build a run, you need to strongly consider rehoming them until you can keep them secure on your property. Chickens "at large" multiply the chances of neighborly complaints, making things more difficult for other backyard poultry owners, is disrespectful of the property rights of others, and frankly creates a disease risk vector in that any diseased bird they come in contact with, they can then spread over the whole of their range.

As an NPIP program participant investing in my future flock, I find the idea of an "at large" (which is what you describe, not "free range") flock as offensive and concerning as those who suggest driving down a darkened street with an unwanted Roo, throwing him out of the car, and continuing on their way.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

With respect, if you can't keep your birds on your property, you need to stop free ranging them. and if you can't build a run, you need to strongly consider rehoming them until you can keep them secure on your property. Chickens "at large" multiply the chances of neighborly complaints, making things more difficult for other backyard poultry owners, is disrespectful of the property rights of others, and frankly creates a disease risk vector in that any diseased bird they come in contact with, they can then spread over the whole of their range.

As an NPIP program participant investing in my future flock, I find the idea of an "at large" (which is what you describe, not "free range") flock as offensive and concerning as those who suggest driving down a darkened street with an unwanted Roo, throwing him out of the car, and continuing on their way.

I'm sorry.

They have a run (750 sq ft for 16 hens) and they sure enjoy the free ranging, so I feel bad keeping them in their grass-less run, but if I am not being a good person, and doing illegal stuff, then I will stop.

What is the difference between "at large" and "free range"? Im not sure what "at large" means.
Thanks!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

When a pack of dogs roams the neighborhood, they are said to be "at large". Sure, they will come when the neighbor feeds them, and might even consent to petting, or be briefly contained behind someone's fence - but they are domestic animals transitioning to feral.

When birds range acres owned by some farmer, they are "free ranging" - as they remain always, arguably, within the control of that farmer - they never leave the property.

Its an exercise in line drawing, I admit - but the one practice requires the consent of just one person, and they bear all the risk "Farmer Free Ranger" - the other practice occurs without consent and spreads risk across the community, whether they approve or not. "Flock at large".

Most statues and ordinances regarding wild and dangerous animals allow the taking (or killing) of "at large" creatures by any property owner on their own lands.

See, for instance Washington Statutes RCW 16.24.090

And I'm glad to hear you have a nice run for your flock. I find the idea very reassuring that you have provided such roomy digs for them.