How to keep neighbors flock out of my yard

[esme13]

I have some new neighbors, who got a flock of chickens. There’s 20 or so flock. I have an establish flock which I mostly keep in an enclosed pen. My property has woods that border. We both have green pastures on both sides. I just have more woods and brush. I hadn’t had a problem. But I prefer their flock staying on their side. I had 13 hens and a rooster approaching my blind senior yorkie in my yard. Now my hens grew up with my dog. However I don’t know that flock. What can I do? Should I just fence up the boarder of my property? My flock has never wondered over to the other side. The neighbor I have a feeling knows, but just doesn’t care. I also should feel comfortable free ranging my flock on my grounds and not stressing them.

 

[tripletfeb]

Your best bet is to fence off your yard, or at least the section by your neighbor

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Your best bet is to fence off your yard, or at least the section by your neighbor

And you can ask your thoughtless neighbor to split the cost, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

 

[Bawkbok]

You shouldn't have to go through the expense but for the safety of your flock I agree you should just fence off that side. They probably won't change their behavior.

 

[Mrs. K]

Fences are the only way to keep flocks separate especially as she has a rooster, he will always be looking for more hens.

These will work, but probably unethical-take what you want.

• Shoot birds with a BB gun. It won’t kill them, but should scare them off. I don’t think it will be enough to over come the urge for your hens.
• Tell the neighbor that you are not sure, but your birds might have a contagious disease. An air Bourne disease, which she needs to keep her birds away.

 

[Ridgerunner]

They are new neighbors. Have you met them yet? Sometimes discussion is all it takes. If they are planning on putting up a fence you might offer to help share expenses. How you phrase that might be important.

You see it all of the time on here. People have trouble with a neighbor's dogs. Legally, morally, and ethically the neighbors have a responsibility to keep their dogs at home. But they sometimes don't. People talk to the owners, take photos or videos of the dogs on their property, get a deputy to talk to them, or maybe kill or injure the dog. It can get really messy.

When I was faced with a problem when I lived in Arkansas I did not stand around griping, moaning, or complaining. I put fences up to stop my chickens from roaming onto a road and to stop dogs from killing my chickens. The dogs were strays dropped off in the country, not the neighbors.

You are the one having the problem. You can try to solve it any way you wish. My approach would be to first talk to them to work out a solution. If that doesn't work I'd build a fence.

 

[eddie_van_quailen]

They are new neighbors. Have you met them yet? Sometimes discussion is all it takes. If they are planning on putting up a fence you might offer to help share expenses. How you phrase that might be important.

You see it all of the time on here. People have trouble with a neighbor's dogs. Legally, morally, and ethically the neighbors have a responsibility to keep their dogs at home. But they sometimes don't. People talk to the owners, take photos or videos of the dogs on their property, get a deputy to talk to them, or maybe kill or injure the dog. It can get really messy.

When I was faced with a problem when I lived in Arkansas I did not stand around griping, moaning, or complaining. I put fences up to stop my chickens from roaming onto a road and to stop dogs from killing my chickens. The dogs were strays dropped off in the country, not the neighbors.

You are the one having the problem. You can try to solve it any way you wish. My approach would be to first talk to them to work out a solution. If that doesn't work I'd build a fence.

Great suggestion. Most don't even talk to their neighbors anymore... People are so quick to assume thoughtlessness, carelessness, or even malice, without even talking to the other parties. Once someone refuses to cooperate/compromise and continues to behave badly, then that is the time to begin talk about fences and bb guns... not before... so sad.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Can't a bb gun kill a chicken?

 

[esme13]

Thanks for the kind response. They have approached my property a couple of times , more or less asking for things. They spoke to my other half and were asking questions on if we free range. Definitely seem aware. I’m going to try putting a cheap fence up on my side of what I think is the area they are coming in. While I’m concerned for my hens, my senior dog is another concern of mine since she is small and blind. The last thing I need is a rooster attack.

 

[eddie_van_quailen]

Thanks for the kind response. They have approached my property a couple of times , more or less asking for things. They spoke to my other half and were asking questions on if we free range. Definitely seem aware. I’m going to try putting a cheap fence up on my side of what I think is the area they are coming in. While I’m concerned for my hens, my senior dog is another concern of mine since she is small and blind. The last thing I need is a rooster attack.

They might not know that you have those concerns. I suggest being open, honest, and direct, and saying "I have concerns about our flocks comingling, and I worry for the safety of my senior dog around your rooster. Do you think it would be possible to contain your flock on your property? If not, I am considering building a fence." Then go from there.