Joined BYC Tonight- Need help convincing the neighbors

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OrpingtonHopeful

OrpingtonHopeful

Songster
10 Years
May 17, 2009
154
2
111
Hi Folks,

First, let me say I love this site!

About a year ago, when we moved into our house, I read a book about folks trying to live like it was 100 yrs ago- It inspired me to try organic gardening, composting, and now, the next logical step seems to be raising chickens.

We live in a subdivision and have just a 1/3 of an acre. After a ton of research I have decided I would love 4-6 Orpington pullets for their docility and friendliness(and it just so happens the local feed store should be getting a handful of day old chicks this week).

Our ordinance requires our coop be completed for inspection and then all adjoining neighbors approve in order to get the required permit. We have 5 adjoining neighbors. Spoke with 2 so far and they are all for it, but they know us and bringing up the topic was fairly easy-

For the other people, I have written a nice letter of introduction (we have never met!) and discussed our chicken plans- I would love your advice for approaching our neighbors, gently easing any fears they have...Does anyone have an amazingly favorable article about raising chickens in the city/suburban setting?

I would hate to waste a ton of money building a pretty (for the neighbors) and secure (for the hens) coop just to be denied a permit...

Also, please tell me straight- will my chickens be a nuisance to the neighbors? Noise, smell, any other problem? I really wanna go get those chicks this week, but want to be sure I won't be forced to part with them...

Thank you all and best wishes!
 
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from Washington

Good luck with the neighbors. Maybe you can print out some of the threads here and give copies. Who knows you might convert some of them to chickens as well. Can you get some fresh eggs to bribe them. And tell them that Russ says they are not noisy, smelly or a nuisance if cared for.

Imp/Russ
 
Hello!
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from Hereford AZ!
Just talk the neighbors first, there are lots of threads and great praise to our chickens here on BYC!
The eggs are so much better than your typical grocery store
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neighbors might want to hear all the great stories here on BYC!
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OrpHope, we are in Massachusetts with a 3/4 acre lot and nice neighbors, none of whom had farm type animals. I talked with all of them beforehand and asked their opinion of us having a small backyard flock. They never objected, and some wrote letters to our Town to support us.

We just have 4 hens, and they do make BAWWWWKKKING noises at times, but I've asked the neighbors about it and they say they don't mind.

Smell is not an issue with four hens.

Best of luck to you. PM me if you have any questions.
 

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