Looking for input on neighbor raising chickens

[DiYMama540]

Well you are sure to get some bias opinions when you come to the chicken keepers site to ask advice, however....

I think you have a valid point about the proximity of their coop to the property line and your home. But at the same time, they are installing fence and sounds like they are doing what they can to properly care for their birds.
I would definitely use any authority figure route as an absolute last resort. Even if they aren't very warm and fuzzy neighbors, I'm sure speaking with them directly of your concerns would go a long way for the relationship between you guys. I've spoken with my neighbors that are in close enough proximity to be bothered by my birds, and asked that if anything ever comes up they please speak to me first about it and let me right the wrong before calling and complaining to someone else.
If you don't feel comfortable talking with them, maybe you could write a letter.
Best of luck with this! And keep in mind that as strongly as you feel for your dog, they probably feel just as strongly about their birds.

 

[Wallypoky]

I am not and have not ever intended to sick my dog on their chickens. Yes you are mistaken. One of my concerns here is that especially with the chickens being 8' from my yard it's just one more thing that makes my dog be attracted to their yard.

We live in the suburbs our lots are less than one acre and are platted and zoning for our properties concerning raising chickens does not allow them to be raised in our yards.

The 6' fence that these folks are installing is part of another zoning requirement that relates to the permanent built in swimming pool that they have had in their yard for years so in this regard they aren't necessarily installing that fence for the chickens. They told me that it was so they could let their dogs run loose in the yard.

Aside from not ever showing any sort of kindness to my dog these people have been ridiculous about the dog's presence even at the far back edge of their property and beyond that into an adjoining rear vacant lot that they do not own. Just this morning as my dog walked up to a part of the 6' fence that they are installing near the back of our properties I heard the woman holler out at my dog not to piss on that fence. This fence is being installed at the minimum required 1' from my property line. The dog was mostly still in my yard.

I am concerned about RATS and other rodents. The structure that houses these chickens is about 25' from the corner of my home and 8' from the edge of my property. Lately my dog has been acting like he's smelling an animal in the shrubs around the back of our house especially at night. I suspect some type of rodent. These people have a habit of not being good at taking care of their own dogs and a lot of piles of stuff in their yard. Their not being friendly adds a lot to the mix. I have the sense that if I say something they would be confrontational and argue.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

Welcome to BYC! I've read your posts and what I am picking up on is that you are free ranging your dog. Correct me if I'm wrong. I am a firm believer in strong fences and leash laws having been bitten by alleged friendly dogs owned by the neighbors. Your neighbors are not obligated to shower your dog with affection, they have their own. If they are not breaking any laws, then whatever they do on their property is really none of your business. I have a neighbor who has boundary issues and considers me as not neighborly because I complained about her children and her chickens over running my property. Being neighborly requires respect from both sides. And btw: dog urine is really harsh on grass and other vegetation.

 

[imnukensc]

If the neighbors are breaking zoning ordinances/laws, I would take my complaint straight to the zoning board/commission. The heck with trying to "reason" with folks who are already breaking the law.

 

[DobieLover]

One of my concerns here is that especially with the chickens being 8' from my yard it's just one more thing that makes my dog be attracted to their yard.

NOT trying to be incitive here but your dog should be trained NEVER to cross your property boundaries. I don't know what the leash laws are in Ohio but where I am you are allowed to have your dog run off leash on your own property and on the property of others WITH THEIR CONSENT. As soon as one paw crosses the property line, you are at fault and responsible.

We live in the suburbs our lots are less than one acre and are platted and zoning for our properties concerning raising chickens does not allow them to be raised in our yards.

If they are or have broken ordinance, report it to the proper authorities and they will be sited to correct the situation. Period.

The dog was mostly still in my yard.

But not entirely. Again, your problem and no one else's. You said your dog is a trained bird dog. I'm going to assume you have a remote training collar. Always release your dog with the collar on and WATCH him. As soon as he gets near the property line, give him the warning. If he take another step in the same direction, give him the correction. You know he'll learn the lines quickly.

I am concerned about RATS and other rodents. The structure that houses these chickens is about 25' from the corner of my home and 8' from the edge of my property.

Until you actually see rats on your property, you really are just speculating that there will be a problem. Honestly, from your description of your neighbor, I'm surprised they aren't already there.

It sounds like there will be no love lost between the two of you. I am not one for tolerating passive aggressive neighbors.

I'm respectful of the law, my neighbors (even the ones I don't like) and I expect the same in return. I don't really give a good GD if they like me or any of my animals in return. That's their decision.

But if what they do on their property routinely interferes with me enjoying mine, I will take action. So follow the law and act accordingly. And continue to speak cordially to them and go about your business. Some people just are not friendly. So what. If they are abusing their animals or violating an ordinance, report it.

 

[Acre4Me]

I am not and have not ever intended to sick my dog on their chickens. Yes you are mistaken. One of my concerns here is that especially with the chickens being 8' from my yard it's just one more thing that makes my dog be attracted to their yard.

We live in the suburbs our lots are less than one acre and are platted and zoning for our properties concerning raising chickens does not allow them to be raised in our yards.

The 6' fence that these folks are installing is part of another zoning requirement that relates to the permanent built in swimming pool that they have had in their yard for years so in this regard they aren't necessarily installing that fence for the chickens. They told me that it was so they could let their dogs run loose in the yard.

Aside from not ever showing any sort of kindness to my dog these people have been ridiculous about the dog's presence even at the far back edge of their property and beyond that into an adjoining rear vacant lot that they do not own. Just this morning as my dog walked up to a part of the 6' fence that they are installing near the back of our properties I heard the woman holler out at my dog not to piss on that fence. This fence is being installed at the minimum required 1' from my property line. The dog was mostly still in my yard.

I am concerned about RATS and other rodents. The structure that houses these chickens is about 25' from the corner of my home and 8' from the edge of my property. Lately my dog has been acting like he's smelling an animal in the shrubs around the back of our house especially at night. I suspect some type of rodent. These people have a habit of not being good at taking care of their own dogs and a lot of piles of stuff in their yard. Their not being friendly adds a lot to the mix. I have the sense that if I say something they would be confrontational and argue.

Ok. The only reason I asked if they, for sure, are not allowed chickens is bc I’m in Ohio and in my area I am not restricted, and I don’t have a ton of land. Of course each area, township, city, or HOA will differ with regards to this.

So now the dilemma. Neighbor wars suck. If these folks are unfriendly and possibly petty, then any complaint you make against them may be attributed to you and they may think they need to pay you back double (or more) Sadly, I’ve had a neighbor like this. You are completely within your rights to report if they are violating ordinances/laws. As far as the fence is concerned, there are usually clear rules regarding fences and likely putting a fence 1’ away from the property line is fine, but you could easily check that detail out with the zoning board too. I wish you luck in dealing with them and the circumstances.

 

[Henry&Friends]

In the past four years, I have said maybe 3 sentences to my neighbors. And that’s with generous rounding. My only interactions with any neighborhood dogs I’ve had is chasing them off of my property with various sticks and shovels, and many more cuss words (as soon as I had to pull a chick out of a dogs mouth, I stopped tolerating them.) Don’t hold a grudge for them not fawning over your dog, you guys have different perspectives. The only time there were rats on my property because of chickens was when I used my mud room (in the basement) as a coop. Once I moved them into a shed in my yard and poisoned the rats, they never came back. I think as long as they keep their chickens contained over there, the rats probably will stay over there too. If I were your neighbor, I would not appreciate your dog being off a leash at all, and I already do NOT allow dogs on my property. Seems like you all don’t get along, and that’s alright. Really, as long as nothing really happens between you, I would advise both parties to just avoid each other. I don’t know about their coop, but if you’re really concerned about how close the coop is, you could ask them to move it to the other side of the yard or something, and offer to help them move it. (I don’t know what the shed is like, but mine can be picked up and moved by 2+ people)

 

[slordaz]

In the past four years, I have said maybe 3 sentences to my neighbors. And that’s with generous rounding. My only interactions with any neighborhood dogs I’ve had is chasing them off of my property with various sticks and shovels, and many more cuss words (as soon as I had to pull a chick out of a dogs mouth, I stopped tolerating them.) Don’t hold a grudge for them not fawning over your dog, you guys have different perspectives. The only time there were rats on my property because of chickens was when I used my mud room (in the basement) as a coop. Once I moved them into a shed in my yard and poisoned the rats, they never came back. I think as long as they keep their chickens contained over there, the rats probably will stay over there too. If I were your neighbor, I would not appreciate your dog being off a leash at all, and I already do NOT allow dogs on my property. Seems like you all don’t get along, and that’s alright. Really, as long as nothing really happens between you, I would advise both parties to just avoid each other. I don’t know about their coop, but if you’re really concerned about how close the coop is, you could ask them to move it to the other side of the yard or something, and offer to help them move it. (I don’t know what the shed is like, but mine can be picked up and moved by 2+ people)

lol I don't get rats, an occasion mouse that gets brave enough to enter the yard but never rats, and between cats, dogs and chickens they are dispatched quickly

 

[wyoDreamer]

It sounds like you are looking for something to worry about with these neighbors. Please don't look for problems before they happen. Worry like this eventually impacts your health negatively. If you feel the need to so something, call the building inspectors office and ask if the ordinances have changed and if chickens are now allowed. You can simply say that you were wondering because your neighbors are in the process of building a chicken coop near your house.

Chickens don't necessarily mean rodents. I think we have fewer rodents around here because of the chickens. They keep the ground in the run bare dirt, and definitely clean up all their food. All food storage for them is in sealed containers. They are getting pretty good at finding worms and grubs, so I am seeing fewer skunk holes in my yard.

You can also start working with your dog on his obedience to your commands. Get a plan in place on how to keep your dog from becoming a predator to their birds.
You need to be able to get him to unfocus on the neighbors chickens when that time comes. Nothing worse than a dog running a fence barking uncontrollably at a neighbors chickens.

 

[Matilda Belle]

This story sounds very familiar to me. Except I am the neighbor with the chickens, and my neighbors have an obnoxious dog I don't care for. My neighbors live in close proximity to me, each having about an acre. Chickens are legal in our area and I choose to keep my chickens in a run rather than free range. It would be disrespectful of me to allow my chickens into my neighbors yard, the same as it would be disrespectful for you to allow your dog onto their property.

I keep my coop very clean and I'm certain my neighbors would have no complaints about the odor. Unfortunately, the majority of chicken keepers I've met aren't as clean as me.

As far as rodents, we've never had a problem since we have cats. I can't speak for my neighbors. We have roosters as well, and I've talked to one neighbor about it already and he's fine with it. The other neighbors with the dog I haven't heard any complaints from (yet). If they complain about the roosters, I will complain about their annoying dog that barks and growls at me on my property every time I am outside.

In my opinion, if it's not illegal to have chickens in your area, let them be. If it is illegal in your area, they need to follow the law and if you want to report them you can.