Help me put our neighbors at ease!

[teach1rusl]

I'm with the group that feels a letter is unnecessary - seems odd to write a letter about something that's perfectly legal.
BUT if I was the neighbor, I would want to hear that the coop would not be an eyesore, that smells would not be an issue because it would be cleaned regularly, and that the chickens would be contained to YOUR property (not many neighbors want chickens tearing up their flower beds).

 

[ChooksChick]

On my BYC page are several articles regarding myths about chickens, facts and supportive arguments.

I'd not write a letter, and I'd be proud and positive. Be surprised if they show negative response when they find out. It's a wonderful hobby and the more you believe the other nonsense is myth, the more educated you are to casually respond when they object, the more confident they will be with your answers.

Get on with your project and what's perfectly within your rights. They can do the same in their own property confines.

Have fun!

 

[Keltara]

I feel that the letter is not necessary. It is your property. I think I may be offended as a neighbor if I had to listen to a crow all day at close proximity, but if you're planning on getting 4 pullets, I'd just go for it. A clucking, cooing hen is much quieter than a dog. I think that If you send a letter, no matter how you word it, it could come across as a way of "asking for permission" and you need not do that.

You are going to enjoy the fun of chickens! We Just got 4 BO's in spring and they are a great source of happiness with my children. Buff Orps are the sweetest chickens! They love to be held, cuddled, and pet. They follow us around like puppies. They are very social and wonderful with kids. I love our BO's.

 

[pixiedouglas]

I would just mention it to them next time you're having a neighborly friendly chat over the fence and see what they're reaction is. Be positive and if they express any concern about noise or smell take it as an opportunity to have an open discussion. Don't get defensive just be positive and say something like "you know I thought that too, but I've been doing a lot of research about them and they really aren't that smelly if you care for them properly and we plan to only keep hens which aren't noisy and don't crow".

Frankly I would rather have a neighbor with chickens than dogs! and I love dogs! But a lot of dogs are allowed to bark during the day (from boredom I would guess) and that creates more nuisance noise than a few hens in my opinion. Also a dog run with a few dogs can easily get far more stinky than a chicken coop if not cleaned regularly especially with large dogs.

 

[FireTigeris]

Hens can crow in the absence of a rooster... there's you-tubes of one somewhere...

 

[lowry075]

As long as you follow your city's ordinances, it shouldn't be an issue. Nobody asks if they can buy a dog and those sometimes bark all day. My two chickens cluck a bit in the morning or when they're laying, but nobody has complained (knock on wood). Since it sounds like you're a nicer neighbor than me, I will agree with the eggs plan. If they have kids, letting the kids see the chickens is a plus also.Good luck