Quiet Stealth Chicken Coop

[rosemarythyme]

Lots of good advice on this thread. While I commend you on wanting to learn more about food production and self sufficiency, it might have to wait until you can find a place to live that doesn't have these restrictions.

Some people do get away with "stealth chickens." But your satellite shot shows a pretty tightly packed neighborhood. There's several houses that look straight into your backyard from the 2nd floor. More than that, I think people underestimate how loud hens can get. Some are very quiet. Some are very noisy. When mine sing the egg song or God forbid, lose track of one another and start screaming in panic, you can hear it 3 houses away, and I'm on 4 acres. Even if you get a "quiet" breed there's no guarantee that your individual birds will be quiet.

 

[aligarysmom]

What about a different kind of bird? Quail are pretty quiet, kept as pets, as well as for meat and eggs. They are smaller than chickens.

usually no foul is the rule.

 

[aligarysmom]

Agreed. OP, your parents signed the contract saying they agree with and will follow the HOA regulations. I don't live in an HOA (thankfully), but wonder if breaking that contract would not only result in fines, but may cause your family to end up looking for a new home. (Which may not be all bad since you and your parents want to do your own thing anyway.)

So, don't be so sure these were actually signed. Many times they are not when the house papers were done, and frankly not enforceable. But, always your choice to make that call. I do think you are in a very nice community with nosey neighbors too close to hide chickens. Just have a back up plan if you get caught. I just put together my coop and it was 700 dollars. It's nice, but a lot of money to have my chickens removed.

 

[californiachicken]

I apologize for the late response. I can't reply to every single comment, but I can assure you all that I've read and appreciated all of them.
Are quails really quieter? I've done some research regarding this before I made this thread, and I've seen some rather conflicting information. Perhaps they're also like chickens, in that they can either be very quiet or loud?
I've come across some new information as well. In our courtyard, which I'm unsure if it's in the satellite picture (bottom right of our house), neighbors someone we know. The neighbors adjacent to this side of the house are my sister's friend's grandparents. I know it's a stretch, but maybe since we're on good terms they won't mind. The courtyard would also just be closest to their garage, adding to the fact that they're already elderly and most likely cannot hear too well...

 

[aligarysmom]

I like the elderly and can’t hear too well . How old is elderly ? And do all elderly lose their hearing ? I think it won’t hurt to try. If they say get rid of them, then have a plan to vacate. Either you with you chickens or them

 

[K85trb]

I do find that quail are quieter. Also, quail are gamebirds and may not be held to the same regulations as chickens and other poultry.

 

[aart]

I know it's a stretch, but maybe since we're on good terms they won't mind

That might change once chickens start sounding off.

I'd find out what the repercussions are for 'defying the law'...
...then ask you parents if they are willing to take the risk.

 

[Shevraeth]

I apologize for the late response. I can't reply to every single comment, but I can assure you all that I've read and appreciated all of them.
Are quails really quieter? I've done some research regarding this before I made this thread, and I've seen some rather conflicting information. Perhaps they're also like chickens, in that they can either be very quiet or loud?
I've come across some new information as well. In our courtyard, which I'm unsure if it's in the satellite picture (bottom right of our house), neighbors someone we know. The neighbors adjacent to this side of the house are my sister's friend's grandparents. I know it's a stretch, but maybe since we're on good terms they won't mind. The courtyard would also just be closest to their garage, adding to the fact that they're already elderly and most likely cannot hear too well...

Even IF those adjacent neighbors don't mind, chickens can be loud and smelly. The other people in the neighborhood are going to know, especially looking at how close together your houses all are.

I'm in the same boat actually. I want chickens, really badly, but I just can't have them where I'm at right now. I've been visiting other people's farms to get my chicken fix.

I would advise you help out your farmer friend over the summer and learn how to take care of the chickens from them before you have any of your own, that way you'll be super knowledgeable with first hand experience on care, maintenance, what to look for for pests or illness and how to treat them, etc.

 

[JDN]

I apologize for the late response. I can't reply to every single comment, but I can assure you all that I've read and appreciated all of them.
Are quails really quieter? I've done some research regarding this before I made this thread, and I've seen some rather conflicting information. Perhaps they're also like chickens, in that they can either be very quiet or loud?
I've come across some new information as well. In our courtyard, which I'm unsure if it's in the satellite picture (bottom right of our house), neighbors someone we know. The neighbors adjacent to this side of the house are my sister's friend's grandparents. I know it's a stretch, but maybe since we're on good terms they won't mind. The courtyard would also just be closest to their garage, adding to the fact that they're already elderly and most likely cannot hear too well...

WEll, you can just blame it on wild quail. Tell the HOA that due to their wonderful enforcement of the bylaws and covenants, that Wildlife has noticed and decided to leave the hills for your subdivision.

 

[NewchickNanna]

I am doing the same in my neighborhood, but talked to the closest neighbors, and all they asked was no roosters, and some eggs every now and then. Promising them Fresh, Organic, Healthy eggs seems to seal the deal.