Neighbors loud and crowded Chickens (and Roosters)

[caligirl1996]

I live in California in a residential area. My neighbors chicken coop is 10 feet from the side of my house yet far from their house. When I first moved here, they had a rooster which I complained about and they got rid of right away. I have brought to their attention through a note on their door that their chickens are close to our house, loud and smell. The smell has gotten much better but they have gone and got more small chickens. I overheard my neighbor say they have 9 "layers" and 6 bantam chickens and then something else which totals 16 chickens in a coop that's probably close to 100 square feet if that. 2 of the small bantam chickens are now learning to crow which is kind of funny to hear but still upsetting due to noise early in the morning. Should I call city coding on them knowing they are not up to code by any means?

 

[IZZYBELLA]

I would try to speak with them in person first. They were responsive about the rooster and smell, so hopefully they would accommodate your concerns again. If that fails, you can always complain to the code officer, but I'd try to keep that as a last resort to maintain cordial relations. My guess is they know they aren't meeting code, so they will want to do anything possible to prevent a complaint. Good luck... never fun.

 

[caligirl1996]

Thank you for your reply. I feel that I have tried to speak with them about it in person because I went over there and they were not home so I told their friend who was outside and then I left a few notes because they didn't answer the door.

 

[IZZYBELLA]

That's too bad they aren't being responsive. Very frustrating! Guess you are kind of out of the nice options. I feel your pain... I had to call animal control on a neighbor's dog because they refused to contain it despite talking with them. They put in an electric fence very quickly after that! I hope your neighbors act equally as quickly!

 

[Mattemma]

Most places have setback laws. My coop needs to be 150 feet from a neighbors house. Decent folk don't put coops or compost bins closer to neighbors. If anything it should be closer to them.

You tried to talk to them. The problem persists, so I would report them for coop location,the smell,and the noise. If I were reported for any I would rectify immediately or rehome the chickens.

Just be careful because it can easily turn into a neighbor from hell situation. Even though they are in the wrong,and know it, they may retaliate.