My neighbor is convinced my chickens are a health risk- Help?!? Has anyone dealt with this?

[lazy gardener]

I really don't want my girls crossing the road, but I think the neighbor encourages it. He lives alone, and grew up on a farm, so he's happy to see them. I asked him if they bother him, or his garden, and he assured me that they don't go near his garden. He sits out on his porch and watches them. To top it all off, my cat is absolutely in love with him. The cat spends a lot of time over there, and will throw himself on the ground in front of the neighbor and rub his head on his feet. If I can't find my cat, he's likely in the neighbor's house, sitting on his windowsill, watching the birds at the feeder. I tell you, this neighbor has it good. Benefits of pets without any of the associated expenses.

 

[islandgirl82]

I really don't want my girls crossing the road, but I think the neighbor encourages it.  He lives alone, and grew up on a farm, so he's happy to see them.  I asked him if they bother him, or his garden, and he assured me that they don't go near his garden.  He sits out on his porch and watches them.  To top it all off, my cat is absolutely in love with him.  The cat spends a lot of time over there, and will throw himself on the ground in front of the neighbor and rub his head on his feet.  If I can't find my cat, he's likely in the neighbor's house, sitting on his windowsill, watching the birds at the feeder.  I tell you, this neighbor has it good.  Benefits of pets without any of the associated expenses.

Maybe it's a Mainer thing. Most people I know here are very much the "live and let live" type. The closest neighbors have told me many times that they've never been around such quiet hens and the husband tells me stories of growing up with tons of chickens. I know my flock (of 7) has ventured over the property line a few times but they've never even mentioned it. They're far more annoyed with dogs on the other side of me that use their yard to do their business. My Newfoundland has gone over to chase the Canada geese off their lawn a few times (he's great with every creature except he despises Canada geese, sea gulls and squirrels) and I've apologized for that and they told me to send him over to chase them off anytime. Seriously... how could I not love them?

 

[lazy gardener]

Yes, I'd even invite your dog over to chase geese off my lawn, as long as he's kind to chickens. One year, when I was growing up, a lone Canada goose got stranded in my yard. I lured him into my parent's garage with cracked corn, and kept him there for a week or two. Of course he chose to roost on top of my mother's car. I'm sure you all know how well that was received! I couldn't get near him, Oh how he'd hiss, and give me the stink eye. But, he did love his cracked corn! Finally, my parents made me kick him out. The last I ever saw of him, he was headed across the field as the snow was falling. (Sob!)

Yesterday, there was a whole flock of turkeys in the yard and on the road. There were a lot of babies. So nice to see them!