Neighbors have hens and they are NOISY

[LaFleche]

I guess I feel for the neighbor. My chickens are loud. All are hens. They're 75ft from the house and farther from my neighbors. In a 35 x 25 run. She still called the city complaining. Theres no noise ordinance where I live and I'm following all of the laws but man, I can't do anything else. Thankfully we will be moving to 26 acres so no neighbors but shes called the cops on my kids playing outside multiple times also. I'm not trying to be unreasonable but I paid for my house. I should be able to do what I want as long as its legal.

I understand what you mean and it is often quite strange how unrealistic some peoples expectations are with regard to the everyday life and noises emanating from neighbours. Even well educated children make noise and of course have the right to do so playing and having fun.

That being said, even having the right to do so and living on your own land it would always be kind to consider the neighbours. Some may work night shifts or have some medical issues causing them to be more sensitive to noise, whatever the origin.

The OP seems to have been very patient for three years which might in turn have led to some accumulated sleep deprivation and work issues as she seems to work from home. Of course it would have been better to address the situation much earlier, but maybe it is just now that the neighbours might have just added new chickens that are noisier than the ones they had before.

And this is exactly how I would try to start the conversation with the neighbours: Asking if they have added new chickens to their flock, as in all these three years before there was always some chicken noise, but never as loud and disturbing as it is now.

 

[Chickens Tired Neighbor]

I haven't read all of the latest posts, but here is what you could suggest:

How about quail instead of noisy chickens? They are very prolific, cute, not noisy at all and start laying from the age of 6-8 weeks.

Thank you! That's a great suggestion. We had quail as kids and they were quiet.

 

[Chickens Tired Neighbor]

I understand what you mean and it is often quite strange how unrealistic some peoples expectations are with regard to the everyday life and noises emanating from neighbours. Even well educated children make noise and of course have the right to do so playing and having fun.

That being said, even having the right to do so and living on your own land it would always be kind to consider the neighbours. Some may work night shifts or have some medical issues causing them to be more sensitive to noise, whatever the origin.

The OP seems to have been very patient for three years which might in turn have led to some accumulated sleep deprivation and work issues as she seems to work from home. Of course it would have been better to address the situation much earlier, but maybe it is just now that the neighbours might have just added new chickens that are noisier than the ones they had before.

And this is exactly how I would try to start the conversation with the neighbours: Asking if they have added new chickens to their flock, as in all these three years before there was always some chicken noise, but never as loud and disturbing as it is now.

I appreciate your empathy. I have been waiting for yrs so they could hopefully improve the situation and bc I was hoping it would settle down. It has not. I am not a 'sensitive' neighbor. They have a dog and a couple kids who make noise but I never complained bc it is not constant. I am not being unreasonable to think my fam and Ishould be able to sleep after 530 and get SOME quiet. Again, I appreciate your thoughtfulness compared to others who find it easier to say I am a Karen than to hear my concerns and offer constructive feedback. They didn't have them when we moved in or I wouldn't have bought here.

 

[Chickens Tired Neighbor]

They're not being bitter, they're pretty right. Some people count their birds as their family. You can't suggest that someone get a quieter kid and get rid of their own loud child.

You could mention that quail are quieter and that may lead them to decide for themselves that they want quieter animals too. There are days that I get a little annoyed of constant cackling from my hens too. But you can't suggest that they get rid if their chickens and get a quieter species instead.

I didn't. I sent a snarky remark back to the person that told me to move. I came on here looking for mutually beneficial solutions and am getting attacked.

 

[Chickens Tired Neighbor]

I didn't. I sent a snarky remark back to the person that told me to move. I came on here looking for mutually beneficial solutions and am getting attacked.

Telling someone to leave IS bitter and that was my point. I never once suggested they get rid of them.

 

[Chickens Tired Neighbor]

Welcome to BYC. How big is their lot and how close to the property line is their coop?

I think the lot is close between 1/3- 1/2 acre but the house is massive so there isn't much lot left. The coop is about 40-50 ft from my fence but the chickens mostly run the yard.

 

[Chickens Tired Neighbor]

Hello, sorry you're bothered by your neighbor's flock. The other greeters have already suggested what I would...so, best wishes, hope things can be resolved with no hard feelings.

Thank you!

 

[casportpony]

I think the lot is close between 1/3- 1/2 acre but the house is massive so there isn't much lot left. The coop is about 40-50 ft from my fence but the chickens mostly run the yard.

How many chickens?

 

[Chickens Tired Neighbor]

How much space do these 5 birds have? If they are cramped they can get cranky and complain. Again, you should talk to your neighbor and say all the things you just wrote.
Everyone is entitled to enjoy their property in peace. No neighbor has a right to disturb the peace constantly. Some people just stop hearing it and are unaware that it is sending you off the deep end. Tell them you are happy to work with them but something has to change.
It's simple. You want quiet in your own home.
They want chickens on their property.
But the law is leaning in your favor because there are noise ordinances too. If it's as loud as you say, recording it as was suggested is a good idea to let the neighbors know just how loud it is in your house. If they won't work with you, then you take that same recording to whoever enforces the noise ordinance and file a complaint.

Thank you! I appreciate your input!

 

[Chickens Tired Neighbor]

How many chickens?

I'm not positive but I think 5ish. Seems like it is maybe 3 that are super noisy.