HELP!

[Cheeks]

Quote:
I see a lot of dogs that are NOT kept inside a residence, nor are they tame.

yeah. i was going to prove that point.
my dogs are tame, but they are outside all day with a doghouse.

and the chick coop is actually more of a house than the dog house.

 

[AccidentalFarm]

Quote:
How many 'babies' are we talking about here? I can see trying to argue that 2 or 3 chickens are household pets, but I would bet you'd have a hard time arguing the same principle with a flock of 15 or 20.

However, if you have vet records on the birds, it would show that they are more than just farm-type animals. ( most production flocks, whether meat, egg, or both don't get that treatment.)

If you sell eggs or raise meat birds (either to sale or for yourself) then the birds will likely not be considered pets, even if you have a 'chosen few' that would never go into the stewpot. Similarly, if you hatch, advertise, and sell birds, they would likely not be considered pets- even though people sell 'normal' pet animals all the time...

Also, if you can show that the birds have had a cocci and marek's vaccine from the hatchery (assuming you purchased from one), would help to deter the 'chickens are dirty and diseased' angle. As would any other flock health certifications you may have gotten.

What are their housing conditions? If you can describe a routine cleaning and maintenance schedule you follow regarding the flocks housing, it should help, again to avoid the above arguements.

Do you routinely add or detract from the flock? Being able to show that you've owned the same birds for a number of years definitely should help to show they are pets.

Can you approach the chickens without them acting fearful? Can you pick them up and hold them without a struggle?

What exactly is the reason the city wants to remove your animals? How did they find out you have them? Crowing rooster? Stinky coop? Are they annoying the neighbors?

Don't get me wrong, I'm just playing devil's advocate, trying to think of some reasons to suggest that your birds are NOT pets- so that you will have good rebuttals if needed.

 

[fowlweatherfriends]

How old?
How many?
What sex-roosters or hens?
And MOST IMPORTANTLY:
Who do you think reported you?
Who would have a problem with your chickens?
How did you fall into the notice of city officials?

 

[Cheeks]

i have 5 hens. i made a coop with a fenced in area inside of my backyard with the dogs.
same 5 chicks ive had since they hatched.
no, i dont eat them.
no, i dont sell eggs or chickens.
yes, they let me hold them and pet them.

the neighbors didnt call. the city did a drive by for spring clean up stuff and saw it.
i asked my neighbors for their support before i even got the girls.

 

[fowlweatherfriends]

Hi, If you could post the city/state you are in, there may be some experienced members that can help you locate info needed to win your case.

 

[Cheeks]

Quote:
i live in dayton, ohio.
not in the city, but closer to the outskirts.

 

[Cheeks]

theyre almost 21 weeks old, by the way.
i didnt see your previous post until now.

 

[AccidentalFarm]

Well, then they sound like pets to me...Now to convince the judge.
How about a letter from your neighbors stating they have no problem with you having the birds, and that they never detect bad smells, loud noises, and never see unkempt living conditions or sick birds? Better still, if they state in the letter that from what they have observed, you care for your birds in the same manner you care for your dogs...quality food, water, housing, attention, medical needs, etc.

I sure hope this works out in your favor.

 

[Cheeks]

those are the pictures that I submitted.

 

[AccidentalFarm]

Quote:
Does it go on to describe what the 'certain standards' are or list those 'commonly deemed to be a pet kept inside a residence'?

How is one to know which is which?

I suggest you bring those girls in the house and start taking pics of your 'house pets'.