HELP- Need to hide my coop

[Bigdaddy101]

I am of the opinion that you follow the law of the land. Basically, you aggreed upon the rules when you chose to move into the community. The only ground that you may have is if you where there before the rule was issued. Chances are, if you have true deed restrictions they could possibly place a lean on your home.

 

[Hoosiermomma]

My aunt and uncle went through something very similar with their standard poodle. I agree with following the rules, but rules (somewhat outdated and not very practical sometimes) do not change unless they are challenged. I say try to hide it in a very nice, eye pleasing way....say privacy fence, landscaping etc and let them see that they won't become an 'eye sore', stinky or too loud.
If they see that you can do it then maybe that would set the way for someone else down the road who may want some too. Maybe you could take it to the 'board'. Most places or communities have boards that meet to make and/or discuss rules or situations that arise.
Good luck! I say stand tall and be proud that you have chickens! You can get the rule changed!!!!

Keep us posted~

 

[Hoosiermomma]

Oh btw, my aunt and uncles' place wouldn't allow dogs over 50 lbs. They have a standard poodle that is more like a human than a dog. It is the most well behaved dog I've ever seen. Anyway a neighbor complained and they were told they needed to get rid of the dog. They challenged the rule because it was somewhat outdated and they felt that their dog should be the exception to rule. Well by standing firm and stating their case they did get the rule changed. You can do it too~

 

[DawnSuiter]

Changing a law by breaking the law isn't the best position to have when asking others for understanding or leniency.

Maybe you can find a friend, even a new BYC friend to keep them a while. In the meantime, work to get those rules changed! There is a lot of help here to get you organized.

In the interim... I'd say diapers & keep them inside with you, was the best suggestion I've seen.

Good luck!

 

[TcherDawn]

Quote:
I unfortunately agree. You have already been "caught" with the girls, so there is really no hiding them now. The nosy neighbor has found something to be offended about and will probably make it her pet project to stay offended until they can make sure you are rid of your girls. I know many of my relatives/friends that live in developments, and getting the rules changed is sometimes a nightmare, so you would really have to want to wade into something like that with your whole heart, and know that you will "offend" more neighbors with your petition to change the rules. I wish you luck whatever you decide. Take care.

 

[LynneP]

You have been caught and unless you can put the ark indoors, like in a garage, it might be all over. I hope you have a plan B to house your girls. I'm so sorry to hear this, I would be heartbroken to lose my hens.

 

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

Ahhh see THIS is the reason I refused to even LOOK at a home in one of those communities! Its bad enough to live in the city and have THEIR laws but then to have a bunch of ppl sitting around making up their own, nope no thank you lol

My friend has a gorgeous mastiff pup and she lives in one of these places, they fussed at her because he didnt poo in the "appropriate spot" now mind you this is a puppy, he was about 12 weeks old at the time, she was cleaning his waste up when they said this to her, and she replied well its hard to tell a puppy not to potty when they have to right then and right there. She is moving! lol

 

[SurprisingWoman]

http://www.tumbledownfarm.com/drupal/node/34

 

[Joz]

MomtoSyd&Emma :

Ahhh see THIS is the reason I refused to even LOOK at a home in one of those communities! Its bad enough to live in the city and have THEIR laws but then to have a bunch of ppl sitting around making up their own, nope no thank you

Agreed. I've had clients sell their property in planned communities because the covenants were too strict just re the house design, nevermind everything involved with actually LIVING there. And the brief time I've spent in similar communities always results in some problem neighbor complaining about something and pounding on the Community President's door.

Bah.

My two suggestions are, work to change the covenants, or sell up and move out. Hiding your birds isn't going to work with nosy problem neighbors.

Often the neighbor in question wants to be RIGHT more than they want to be rational, and arguing on any level (yelling across the fence, reasoned and rational, petitioning for change via education, or bribery) rarely works.​

 

[Violet22]

Ok, this may be a silly idea, but................

Put some fake chickens in the ark for awhile....the management company will soon get tired of coming to your house when the neighbor complains only to find fake chickens. During this time, do plantings, fencing, whatever and find a way to hide real chickens so no one can see them. When things calm down, put the real ones back out in your new hiding place.
You can even play some chicken sounds in your fake chicken ark. If your real chickens make noise, the management company may remember you have a tape, or if they come over again, play them the tape, and just tell them you really miss the sounds of the live chickens in your backyard.

I don't think there would be any rules on having fake chickens?
Here is one site that has some good ones!

http://www.thisplaceisazoo.com/products/chicken.html