How to tell neighbors about new chickens?

[SuburbanChickLover]

Hello! I am planning on only getting 3 chickens but I live in a suburban neighborhood where i'm afraid my neighbors won't be too excited about them. Any tips? Im thinking of bribing them with fresh eggs!

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC @SuburbanChickLover !

Agrees, know the regulations and make sure you follow them.
When you tell your neighbors might depend on your present relationship with them.

 

[bobbi-j]

Are chickens allowed in your area? If so, I'd say just get them and then deal with the neighbors if they have a problem with it. Make an angel food cake from scratch with your chickens' eggs, give them eggs, send them flowers... Whatever. I just think it might be better to ask forgiveness than to stir the pot beforehand.

 

[blackdog043]

Can you have them in your area?
If you can, make sure you know all the requirements, if there are any.

 

[bobbi-j]

Sorry it’s been a while since I’ve logged in but, yes chickens are allowed in my area and we do have a person down the street who has chickens and convinced us to get some of our own. I don’t think that one of our neighbors will mind there’s just a certain one who has a grudge against us for no reason.

Well, if they already have a grudge... It's a hard call, but I still think I'd get them. They're legal where you are, the neighbors are apparently already cranky, what more are they going to do? I admire your wanting to keep peace with them (or at least try to), but if they already have a problem with you, asking them if you can have chickens or not isn't going to change that. Maybe keep the coop on the opposite side of your yard from them? If they didn't want you to get chickens, would you really just give that up for them? Do you think that would improve your relationship, or would that just empower them to push you around further?

 

[thewatsonfarm]

If your neighbors have kids, definitely introduce them to the chicks. No kid or adult can resist the cuteness factor of chicks, right?

Otherwise, I'd wait until they start laying eggs, because that's the first time the neighbors would notice any noise. Some free eggs (at least a free first taste, so they can appreciate the difference) is always a good idea. We share with the neighbor who hears all of the noise because they are super gracious about it.

For the grudge-holding neighbor, it doesn't really matter, right? If your hens are legal, there's not much he can do & 3 hens don't make too much noise.

I have totally gone crazy. I just think these eggs are such a gift -- and I've started treating them that way. If I share eggs with someone, I want them to know that's a special thing to me. So I bought these cartons & labels from Authentic Heirlooms Co. on etsy.com and started tying them up with ribbon when I give eggs away. It's my small way of sharing how important my flock is to me, you know?

 

[Hyroler]

Dont worry about neighbor.If your allowed to have them its none of there business.My experience dealing with neighbors that have grudge against me.Nothing will make them happy.

 

[chickenluver10]

Introduce your new little chickies to them as peeping fluff balls and they might fall in love with their cuteness!!

 

[lilredwings]

Agree with chickenluver10.

I’d introduce the chicks first to neighbors. Or at least one chick. They’re hard to resist.

Later down the road, they may be interested in buying eggs from you. So don’t always give away your hard work!

 

[drumstick diva]

I wouldn't forewarn your neighbors - they are a royal pain to start with. Totally agree with Bobbi-j.