Neighbors have hens and they are NOISY

[Chickens Tired Neighbor]

When going over to explain things, it may be helpful to start with something along the lines of "I wanted to make sure that this wasn't something I would get used to with time which is why I waited 3 years to say something, however, it isn't getting any better and it is impacting my sleep as well as my work (you said you can hear them on your work calls). Is there anything you can think of that we could do together to help solve this problem? A few things I have thought of are a privacy fence or a hedge to try to buffer some of the noise and possibly keeping the girls in longer in the mornings (provide an acceptable to you time for them to be let out)."

This would lead up with basically "I don't want to be a jerk and I've tried hard not to be, but...." as well as suggesting that you work together on the problem which would possibly make them less likely to get mad because you aren't jumping on them, you want to solve the problem together, as a team. Then propose some solutions of your own and allow them to propose any that they may have. This also shows the impact that the problem is having on you (the lack of sleep and interference with work).

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I have been looking for. If you have any other suggestions, please let me know.

 

[Chickens Tired Neighbor]

Ooh, most people like kids, so maybe use the kid as ammo. Is the kid at all bothered by the birds?

Good point. He does. All 3 of us in the house and company when we have it are woken by them most days and he has gotten teased by his classmates when they meet virtually bc of them. Thank you!

 

[Ruby Rogue]

Maybe they can move the coop. I have a neighbor who hates my rooster...so we started building a new coop on the opposite side of our house, hopefully it muffles the sound enough to keep him happy. Our 'summer coop' is really meant for the meat birds anyways, and to be fair, it is pretty close to his house. My roosters are the only ones who make any kind of noise at all, I don't know why some chickens are so loud and annoying. I don't mind hearing my rooster crow from time to time but I can see how it could bother someone else, especially if it were constantly making noise. I hope you can find a solution to your problem which allows you your peace and quiet and also keeps your peace with the neighbors.

 

[Chickstarrs]

I have tried background noise but I am hesitant to cancel noise or wear earplugs bc I have a child I need to listen for at night. Thank you!

I agree with you about not wearing earplugs at night with children in the house. Even now with my children older, I still need to hear what is going on at night (preferably not noisy neighbours or dogs or motorcycles rumbling down the street). I can't sleep with earplugs.

Kusanar had good suggestions for approaching the neighbour. You could also take the recordings you have with you if they are skeptical about the noise. Do you have any recording of your work meetings with the chickens making noise in the background. That would be helpful to show them how it is affecting not only your home life, but work as well. Good luck. I hope it works out well for you and the neighbour.

 

[Chickens Tired Neighbor]

I agree with you about not wearing earplugs at night with children in the house. Even now with my children older, I still need to hear what is going on at night (preferably not noisy neighbours or dogs or motorcycles rumbling down the street). I can't sleep with earplugs.

Kusanar had good suggestions for approaching the neighbour. You could also take the recordings you have with you if they are skeptical about the noise. Do you have any recording of your work meetings with the chickens making noise in the background. That would be helpful to show them how it is affecting not only your home life, but work as well. Good luck. I hope it works out well for you and the neighbour.

Great suggestions. I do have recorded trainings and you can hear them in the background (even with new high quality windows) and on my phone.

 

[JadeFarms]

You should talk with them and maybe ask them for eggs if there’s no way to fix it! I live next door to 15 to 20 roosters and I have 3 myself and I love the crowing but I get that chickens can be loud so the best thing to do is communicate.

 

[Chickens Tired Neighbor]

If you can't beat them, join them! I kinda think you may need some chicken joy in your own yard, maybe a fun new hobby. . . . . It might just be life changing.

That is one suggestion that doesn't work for us at this point in our lives but thank you. We are gone to often to care for them responsibly.

 

[Chickens Tired Neighbor]

You should talk with them and maybe ask them for eggs if there’s no way to fix it! I live next door to 15 to 20 roosters and I have 3 myself and I love the crowing but I get that chickens can be loud so the best thing to do is communicate.

Thank you!

 

[Chickens Tired Neighbor]

Do you eat eggs? Backyard eggs are by far tastier than store eggs.

Love eggs but not going to ask for them. Thanks though!

 

[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!