Potential neighbor issues (rats)

[SammyJo425]

I live in NYC, there’s a well documented issue with rats citywide. The city has admitted it’s due to construction sites and disturbances of natural habitats of NYC rat populations. They are actively trying to mitigate the issue.

In response to this, I’ve kept my yard tidy, cut back my garden and I’ve taken food and water in nightly. I’m doing everything I can on my end not to draw attention to my chickens being an issue and drawing rats. My neighbors were all ok with me getting the chickens initially.

But yesterday I got a off text asking if I’ve noticed rats in my yard. Because they’ve noticed them moving from mine to another neighbor who garden’s as well.

Both myself and this other neighbor have been in contact trying to set traps and working together to minimize the issue. But I fear the neighbors in between us may complain.

Is there anything I can do if they call so the city won’t make me get rid of my babies?

 

[SammyJo425]

I also feel like my neighbors wife is not nice and even if I try to bribe them with eggs she will still call. So I don’t want to give her eggs. I don’t think it will help. This morning I tried to say hello while she was walking her dog and she ignored me

 

[DickMidnight]

where in NYC are you? you’re allowed to own an unlimited number of hens anywhere in the 5 boroughs. i don’t see how a neighbor complaining about rats would impact your chickens.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Get a Ratinator. You should be able to get one from either Walmart or Amazon. If put in the right place, and done right, I hear they work very well. (I have one, but am not putting it in the right place.)

I don't know about your rules and regulations in your area, but it might be helpful to become familiar with your area's ordinances on chickens.

 

[SammyJo425]

where in NYC are you? you’re allowed to own an unlimited number of hens anywhere in the 5 boroughs. i don’t see how a neighbor complaining about rats would impact your chickens.

I’m in Brooklyn, I told a supportive neighbor who I brought eggs to today that I’m well within my rights. I take my feed and water in, I’m not doing anything neglectful. NYC is pretty lax on chickens. The rat issue is city wide, it’s not specifically due to my chickens. My neighbor had a bunch of rats stealing his tomato’s. He caught 12! I caught 2.. him and I have both been setting traps. The neighbor who may complain is the house in between us. I’m just wondering if they do call, are they just going to make me get rid of the chickens or is there some due process?

 

[DickMidnight]

I’m in Brooklyn, I told a supportive neighbor who I brought eggs to today that I’m well within my rights. I take my feed and water in, I’m not doing anything neglectful. NYC is pretty lax on chickens. The rat issue is city wide, it’s not specifically due to my chickens. My neighbor had a bunch of rats stealing his tomato’s. He caught 12! I caught 2.. him and I have both been setting traps. The neighbor who may complain is the house in between us. I’m just wondering if they do call, are they just going to make me get rid of the chickens or is there some due process?

there would be no cause at all for you to give up your chickens.

the neighbor can call 311 all they want about the rats. they’ll just be told to set traps and that the problem is city-wide.

you’re dealing with rats the same way your neighbor is. and your birds certainly aren’t attracting them any more than the residential trash or dumpsters behind restaurants and bars in the city.

 

[SammyJo425]

there would be no cause at all for you to give up your chickens.

the neighbor can call 311 all they want about the rats. they’ll just be told to set traps and that the problem is city-wide.

you’re dealing with rats the same way your neighbor is. and your birds certainly aren’t attracting them any more than the residential trash or dumpsters behind restaurants and bars in the city.

I thought so, your absolutely right. We are also a few blocks from sanitation. There’s always been an issue with rats but with all the construction sites it’s gotten exponentially worse.

I asked everyone before I even got the chickens if they mind. I was respectful of my neighbors and thoughtful in the breed I chose. Everyone says they are quiet, they wouldn’t know they were there if I didn’t tell them.

I just wanted to be prepared for anything I may encounter with the city. I was afraid they may fine me or make me get rid of them. I do everything I’m supposed to within the law and I care for my birds as ethically as possible.

 

[SammyJo425]

Get a Ratinator. You should be able to get one from either Walmart or Amazon. If put in the right place, and done right, I hear they work very well. (I have one, but am not putting it in the right place.)

I don't know about your rules and regulations in your area, but it might be helpful to become familiar with your area's ordinances on chickens.

I have traps that work pretty well. My other neighbor told me he has a nest under his raised garden beds. I had two holes in my yard, but since I cut back my tomatoes for fall I’ve seen a significant decrease in activity. I personally think they were attracted to the garden more than the chickens.

 

[DickMidnight]

I thought so, your absolutely right. We are also a few blocks from sanitation. There’s always been an issue with rats but with all the construction sites it’s gotten exponentially worse.

I asked everyone before I even got the chickens if they mind. I was respectful of my neighbors and thoughtful in the breed I chose. Everyone says they are quiet, they wouldn’t know they were there if I didn’t tell them.

I just wanted to be prepared for anything I may encounter with the city. I was afraid they may fine me or make me get rid of them. I do everything I’m supposed to within the law and I care for my birds as ethically as possible.

there are surprisingly few restrictions on chickens in NYC. i think the only real rules are that you can’t have roosters, and they have to stay contained on your property. it seems like you have all of that covered.

it doesn’t matter though. your neighbor would have more success calling 311 about how much noise the el makes than they would calling about rats.

beyond that, with respects to your neighbor, just be kind during your interactions with her. no need to go out of your way, but a “good morning/evening” is plenty.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It still wouldn't hurt to share eggs with the grumpy neighbor.