Neighbors chickens keep getting into my backyard and tearing up my garden bed

[jeremichi]

I just moved into a house in an area where chickens arent the norm. I have no problems with the noise and don't really want to complain to the township but the guy is 80+ years old and just lets his chickens and roosters free roam. I spent last weekend planting bulbs and laying down mulch and every single day the mulch is everywhere and my dirt is dug all the way down to the bulbs. I get that the guy has been there forever and I don't believe in HOA's or any of that crap but ****! I also have to check the backyard for his chickens before I let the dogs out. Is there an easy fix to keep them away? I looked into the scarecrow sprinkler but $80 and I'd probably need a few. I'm all for people doing what they want on their own property but i think this guy just doesnt care.
Thanks

 

[Pyxis]

I'm sorry you're having these problems I too let my flock roam free, but lots of people around here have chickens and they stay right on my seven acres so no problem here. You could try putting out those fake owls/hawks that they make. I've heard that they do fool chickens and no bird in their right mind is going to walk up to an owl or a hawk. Other than that, maybe talking to the guy about the problem would help? He may be unaware his birds are causing damage. I know I'd appreciate a heads up before someone went straight to complaining to the town. Maybe he'll be willing to fence his property in and keep them away from yours. If all else fails, you could put some chicken wire up around your gardens. It's cheap and it keeps the birds out. Unfortunately, chickens cannot resist loose, moist dirt. Lots of good bugs to be found scratching in it. Same goes for leaf piles.

 

[FarmerJH]

I second talking to the neighbor. He may not know and it definitely beats pissing off all your neighbors if he's a talker and you call the town on him, especially being new to the area.

Welcome btw

 

[PandoraChick]

We have a guy like that too...He doesn't take care of his chickens, they have no shelter and I doubt he even feeds them anything....I think thats why they stray so far from his land. No one ever says anything to him becasue he is CRAZY. I hope your guy is not like ours. I don't have to worry about his chickens doing damage here because our own chickens do it lol,,,,we also have our yard fenced in and live across a busy street from him.

I would talk to him first(as politely as possible) and see if it you can come up with something together. if he is old and unable to do things, maybe you could offer to help him fence them in his yard?

 

[donrae]

I agree, talk to him.

If you don't get a good response, well, he's just like any other animal owner who lets their animal roam free and he is accepting the risk that his animals may never come home.