Help I have bad chicken owners as neighbors

[BYCforlife]

I have never had neighbor problems. My neighbors called and asked where my rooster went when he died, because they loved the crowing. My other neighbors live too far away for it to matter.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Turn the dogs loose when they're in your yard.

 

[lazy gardener]

You could leave a note on their door. I assume that, until now, you have not had a face to face meeting with these neighbors? Sad. B/C a previous meeting with them would set the tone for further communication. So, something along the lines of a written introduction, followed by your statement of the issue, and how it is affecting your yard and your Uncle's dogs. End with your expectation of a solution. If the birds show up after this, I'd perhaps give one more follow up note, or simply call your local ACO and file a complaint.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Turn the dogs loose when they're in your yard.

OK, that's not so nice. Something you could do is set two posts along the length of your property line, run a cable between the two and attach a leash to the wire so that the dog can run the lot line without getting loose to kill the chickens. The dog will have a great time and the chickens will be absolutely terrified to come near your property.

 

[venymae]

I'd leave a note saying "Hey, I wasn't sure if you were aware of it, but your chickens have been visiting us and we are worried that our dogs might hurt themselves or the chickens. Though the dogs are contained, they go crazy when they see the chickens. We'd feel much better if you could make sure the chickens were out of harms way, by preventing them from coming onto our property. Thank you for your help, The friendly neighbors." If nothing changes in a week or two, contact the proper officials.

 

[wyoDreamer]

I would write a note and put it on their door - say something about trying to contact them previously, but there was no answer. Write that you have noticed their pretty chickens have been ranging all the way to your yard, and you are concerned about their safety. If you feel comfortable with it - give them your name and phone number. A lot of people will not give out personal phone numbers, but I haven't had anyone abuse the info yet.

When we moved to Wyoming, the first thing I did was to contact all the neighbors, introduced myself and gave them our phone number, letting them know that we have dogs who enjoy barking and to please let us know if the barking is annoying them and we are willing to take steps to deal with any issues. Luckily all the neighbors were decent people and no-one ever complained (we did have a couple neighbors mention that they missed it after we moved away - well, their dogs missed having my dogs to bark too)

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I agree with the note thing before calling animal control or city hall.
If they don't know, give them the option to correct the issue before getting the law involved. If that doesn't work, then go for it.
I'm in the burbs with several flocks.
I have all my neighbors' numbers and they have mine. They call if there is a problem that I soon correct.