Help me get my 3 chickens back please!

[sanjsue13]

I live in a rural area in southeast Mi. I am zoned R3. My 9 year old had been begging his Dad & I for chickens for several years. We finally caved & last year his Dad & I built the coop together in the fall. His Dad got sick with congestive heart failure & passed away in Dec. I went ahead & got my son 3 chickens in may. One eventually turned out to be a rooster & I believe that is why my neighbor complained. Although we did eventually figure out if he is "put to bed" in the enclosed part of the coop he will not crow until let out. But last week the ordinance officer came & told me I had to get rid of them. They are housed with a friend. I have decided to fight it but I am at a loss as to what steps to take. Any advice would be much appreciated. I miss them so much & the coop stares at us empty everytime we walk past. My son would lay them in his arms on their backs & rub their bellies. They all seemed to know his voice too. We just have to get them back. Thank you.

 

[poofball]

Hi, I just moved my birds for a while in the mean time i called on thier dogs for barking night and day the shoe was on the other foot . Moved my birds back of course it helps if your birds are npip tested by your state and you have papers, you keep the coop very clean with chips feed and clean water at all times.

 

[GardeNerd]

Have you looked into signing him up with 4 H? Some areas have code enforcement exemptions for kids that are part of the organization for keeping chickens. Maybe start there?