My neighbors are mad about my chickens - but we are LEGAL

[Whispering Winds]

How long have you lived there? The only reason I ask is because you mentioned they mow a strip of YOUR property, and you are aware of it. In Illinois, if a person takes control of someone's land with the landowners knowledge, in 20 years they can have it. Just wanted to mention this, as you just never know what someone has in their head. As far as you having chickens, and they don't, tell them to go suck an egg. For crying out loud, lady with TOO much time on her hands . . .

 

[citychicks2]

Not that you need more support since we all think your neighbors are crazy, but I live on a city lot (50X170 feet) and my neighbors don't complain! I would kill to have 10 acres and cannot imagine why they live out there without animals. I suppose the best thing is to be cheerful and kind and win them over, but I sure would not have the inner strength to bother. I am not sure you ever will win them over. If they decide to sell cheap, let me know! I really want goats.

 

[jerseygirl1]

MMM, I will check with my lawyer on that tomorrow, but I don't think that holds true here. We've only been here 5 years, so I doubt it. That's almost like squatters' rights, from what I've read, and doesn't hold here. Though, it's not like we let them take control of it, they ask our permission when they need to cut branches down, etc. Yes, she stays at home all day and mows her 20 acres Monday, Wednesday, Friday, etc. Way too much time on her hands

 

[card5640]

Got a chicken tractor?? If so rotate it onto the Property that they so enjoy caring for. My nice neighbors ask for my chickens to turn over their flower beds and compost heaps and they help themselves to our compost bin.

 

[jerseygirl1]

Wow, great idea!!!!!!!!!

 

[allison finch]

I'm a firm believer in doing everything I can to cultivate good neighbors. It just doesn't pay to go out of your way to piss them off further. You will be living next to them for a long time. I have an "iffy" neighbor. I keep the peace by taking them eggs as a "sorry if the birds are loud" gift. It has kept things peaceful.....so far.

 

[crazy huhn]

Quote:
Maybe, I missed something here, but if she has never approached you or your husband, how do you know that she is unhappy with your chickens and that she went to town hall? So far it just seems gossip and maybe she is considering chickens herself (just look at our BYC family, which grows every day). I am more the upfront person myself and I would approach her, if the chickens are bothering her in any way. I would just run over some eggs and use that as a starting point for any further talks. It should be easy for you as you already know that you have the law on your side. However, if your chickens are a nuisance (scratching on her property, noisy, smelly etc.), any legal status can be questioned.

 

[jerseygirl1]

Correct, however, we have done nothing to piss them off AT ALL. We wave, smile, say hello, yield to them coming up the road, pay for gas for their plow to plow the road in winter, give them money to fix the road, etc. At some point, I have to say
Just because I'm nice, doesn't mean I'm stupid. Really.
The only way to cultivate would be to get rid of my chickens. Why should I, they are mine, they're quiet, I keep them clean, in a closed off pen, I only let them out when I'm home, so Monday thru Friday they don't even see them, only weekends or my days off. And, I am completely within my rights to have them. Why would I give her eggs? I offer them corn, lettuce, etc, and she wants no part of it. I just avoid them and smiel and wave, but again, why cultivate with BAD neighbors?

 

[jerseygirl1]

Because a little bird at town hall told me

 

[karen71]

HE HE I'm evil

I think with 10 acres you should get some goats too !
That would get her goat - haha
I had 2 and they were noisy - wouldn't the nosy neighbor love that

As you can see I have no mercy for your neighbor -
maybe they will move since they appear not to like the country