I have 7 hens, 2 of which that are mothering chicks right now. Everyone is out free ranging on their own little 1/4 acre property. They have a big coop they into at night. All of that doesn't have anything to do with my dilemma. I have an elderly neighbor who has 3 pekin ducks and 6 hens. The town has been going to her house due to a complaint from a neighbor. Not sure why they complained but it could be because the ducks are very noisy and her neighbors are very close and overlook her backyard.
We are only allowed to have a max of 8 birds, be they ducks or chickens (no roos). Anyway, since she has 1 too many, she wants me to watch one of her hens for a week. I am reluctant to do so for a few reasons. Even though we are in fairly close proximity and regularly walk from yard to yard, I am nervous to have her bird in with mine. I am also afraid of what my hens may do to her or vice versa. I also worry about the chicks, although they do have their mommies with them at all times. I feel very guilty about not taking her hen but at the same time, it makes me very nervous to take her. If the weather was cooler, maybe I would consider taking her and keeping her inside my coop, but then she'd be close to my hens anyway, as it's an open coop with just chicken wire.
What are your opinions? I don't want her to get in trouble, but couldn't she just take her hen and put her in her house for awhile or even in her garage? I kinda feel like I am being pushed into a situation I don't want to be in, however, I'd like to retain our friendship.
P.S. Most of the chicks have homes already, I plan on keeping three, of course that'll put me over the limit too.
Hmmmm
We are only allowed to have a max of 8 birds, be they ducks or chickens (no roos). Anyway, since she has 1 too many, she wants me to watch one of her hens for a week. I am reluctant to do so for a few reasons. Even though we are in fairly close proximity and regularly walk from yard to yard, I am nervous to have her bird in with mine. I am also afraid of what my hens may do to her or vice versa. I also worry about the chicks, although they do have their mommies with them at all times. I feel very guilty about not taking her hen but at the same time, it makes me very nervous to take her. If the weather was cooler, maybe I would consider taking her and keeping her inside my coop, but then she'd be close to my hens anyway, as it's an open coop with just chicken wire.
What are your opinions? I don't want her to get in trouble, but couldn't she just take her hen and put her in her house for awhile or even in her garage? I kinda feel like I am being pushed into a situation I don't want to be in, however, I'd like to retain our friendship.
P.S. Most of the chicks have homes already, I plan on keeping three, of course that'll put me over the limit too.
Hmmmm
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