My neighbors chickens are constantly in my yard ....

[peskyneighbors]

I'm looking for some answers. I am not a chicken hater by any means my grandparents used to own one of the largest chicken farms in New England! I live in southern nh. My problem is my neighbors chickens. We live in a small residential area (average lot size is 1/4 acre). The neighbors across the street own 6-10 chickens. These chickens are always in my yard. They have had the chickens about a year now. I dont mind the chickens they help the pest control in my yard and garden. Last year the owners never paid much attention if the chickens were in our yard, this year they are CONSTANTLY trespassing to collect the chickens. My biggest concern is the teenage boy as I have caught him "looking for the chickens" when they are clearly visible on their property. It's driving my dog insane having people come into our yard at all hours. We keep him tied up or inside at all times.
I don't want to create a problem with them I just want them to stay off my property before any problems occur! Is it too unreasonable for me to ask them to either keep the chickens penned up if they are not comfortable with them wandering? Or to not come on to my property to get the chickens as they WILL go back home when they are ready? Can I collect the chickens and bring them to the animal control officer?
any info or input would be great!

 

[mnferalkitty]

I would post a sign that says something like please don't walk on the grass, or even get one of those yard flags the pest control companies or lawn guys put in your yard after you get the yard treated with chemicals it usualy says keep off grass it has been treated with a chemical that can harm pets. You can also just talk with them and say you are treating your grass with a chemical and it could poison the chickens or contaminate the eggs

 

[BunnyMomma]

Hi, First, I would write a friendly letter to the neighbors and let them know that you would appreciate them keeping their chickens out of your yard. Keep a dated copy of the letter for later. That will give you documented evidence that you have to pursue any legal action. Try to do this in a friendly way first, if you can. It wouldn't hurt to take a few photos as well. Chickens can be helpful, but they can be messy and destructive as well. If the letter doesn't work, then call the local police or county sheriff's office and ask them for assistance. Show them the letter and photos as well. If you are a member of an HOA, you might be able to contact them as well.

I keep all of my chickens (I have over 150 birds) in their respective pens so that they won't wander over to my neighbors yard and damage flowers or garden beds. I also keep them in their pens because I don't want them digging up my mulch in the flower beds or pooping on my walkways. I have had one to get out and go to the neighbors once, but they called me and helped me to catch it and put it back in the pen.

A lot of pet owners can be inconsiderate by letting their pets roam freely in a neighborhood and it is totally uncalled for.
I hope you can work this out in a happy way.
Good Luck!

 

[loplover3476]

I agree with you! They shouldn't be on your proprty on the first place, and you had to put up with this for a year? Now they come to your house and disturb you whenever they want and the chickens keep coming back? I feel bad for you! I love chickens too, but if you're angry enough maybe you could try checking the laws near to see whether they can have chickens, and report them if they cannot.
But first, I would do what bunnymama said and just talk to them or write a letter, it's much easier that way.

 

[BrendaJ]

Are the neighbors friendly? You might want to just ask them nicely to keep the chickens on there property. Signs are great too. I would never let my chickens go onto my neighbors property - its really just plain rude. If it was an accident that's fine but just to ignore them and let them wander is irresponsible. Good Fences = great neighbors lol.

 

[gg706]

I would not want their chickens in my yard either. Even though I have chickens and love chickens...it is too much liabilty. If your dog gets loose and kills one or bites one of the teenagers trying to round up the chickens. I dont know just seems like an unnessary risk that you didnt ask for. I would ask them to keep the chickens home.

 

[tcmstalcup]

Me thinks there would be a case of the disappearing chickens............How much of a fit would be thrown if your dog trespassed to their house? It goes both ways. Everyone should be responsible to keep their respective animals on their property.

 

[peskyneighbors]

Thanks for the input! I've never talked to these neighbors. I have seen these chickens a half mile up the road in other people yards as well! I'm not really concerned that if my dog attacks the chickens if they are in my yard....I've actually thought about letting him on a longer run at times so he can get them! Let him kill one (on my property) and I bet they won't be back! I'm sure I'm not the only in the neighborhood that's sick of the constant trespassing of the chicken owners! I worry that they (the boy esp) are using the chickens as excuses to trespass and possibly canvas the houses to break in! I'm thinking if I catch the boy again a phone call to the police is in order!

 

[gg706]

I was worried about the dog if he chased them out of your yard and into their yard , then caught and killed the chicken, as then it would be on their property and you would most likely be liable. I would not want snoopy teenagers around my home either. Definetly put a stop to it and let them know they are not welcome on your property at anytime.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Sounds like your real issue is the boy coming onto your property, not the chickens...