I'm a concerned neighbor

[love me a henny]

I'm getting ready to speak to my neighbors who recently raised 8 chicks. I've discovered they house all of them in a 8'x4' rabbit hutch. There's something of a coop house in the center that can't be more than 3'x4' in size. No way all can fit in at one time. They basically live compressed together with nothing at all to do. Breaks my heart. Winter is coming, no way for them to get out of the rain and cold. There's no protection like tree's or a cover. I'm worried they will die. It doesn't snow in this part of California, but does get cold at night. Am I over reacting? I take pride in the life I've given my own hens. When their happy I'm happier. I'm going to present my neighbors with the responses I receive here at backyard chickens and hope it makes a difference. Thanks everyone.

 

[SOHC-FTW]

Build em something for their birds as a gift or don't say a thing. People usually don't take kindly to that sorta thing.

 

[PirateGirl]

Do you know why they are raising chickens? Not everyone considers them pets. It's possible they will all be slaughtered for dinner soon. Or maybe they have plans to sell them? If they aren't planning on keeping them long term or through winter then they might not see a need to give them more space or shelter. It might be worth getting more info before doing/saying anything drastic.

 

[love me a henny]

Your right. I need to find out more facts. I need to keep communication open with them rather than become angry. Maybe I can help make the situation better through suggestions rather than anger should they plan on keeping the hens in that situation for a long period of time. Great advice thank you.

 

[aart]

How long have you had these neighbors?

Do you have a good relationship with them?
I'm guessing not or you'd have talked to them already rather than posting here.

I'd tread lightly.

 

[BY Bob]

There could be many reasons for why they are housed in that manner. Hopefully you have spoken to them before this otherwise it will be very hard for this to end well. I always try not to assume the worst intentions in others. This will likely not be easy.

I agree with a gift of a better coop. Maybe you have an old one you no longer use. Perhaps an offer to help. I have helped many people create excellent living spaces for their flock, but I knew them and why they had the birds. Not too mention that they were open to learning.

Good luck.

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed. If you can befriend them, perhaps using your flocks as a common ground, then they may be more open to a friendly intervention. Since it's California, with milder weather, it would be very easy to put up a larger coop space for them. You could source used materials. You and neighbor could easily build a coop add on on a Saturday afternoon.

 

[Sassysouth]

Your right. I need to find out more facts. I need to keep communication open with them rather than become angry. Maybe I can help make the situation better through suggestions rather than anger should they plan on keeping the hens in that situation for a long period of time. Great advice thank you.

Let us know how it goes!!! I can totally see me being angry ready to take a head off too

 

[PirateGirl]

You could create a chicken comraderie. Like offer to watch their birds when they aren't in town. Ask them to check on your birds (you can even make this up, like on a day you won't be home until later than usual you can just ask them to check that the water hasn't all spilled out or something) but it can steer the conversation to talking about each other's care routine for the birds and checking out each other's setups. You can work on winterizing your coop while they are home and in the yard and then ask for help on your coop or ask about their winterization plans and offer a hand. They may just not know the things about chicken keeping you do and be happy to learn, or they may not care, but you have no way of know which until you get the dialogue going. Good luck. I think you will be able to help if you play your cards right.

 

[chickens really]

I would go over and start a conversation about Chickens and only make pleasant helpful comments..You can't tell people how to raise their animals anymore than you can tell them how to raise their Kids...People become offended and feelings get hurt...Best wishes, I hope it goes well....