Soundproofing a henhouse

[Micklemoose]

Quote:
Yes, I am concerned about them not getting a good life, but I plan on making a very large and airy home for them. While it is true that they will never feel the grass under their feet due to our town's stupid laws. I will provide them with plenty of sun (through windows), an entertaining multi-level coop, all the bugs I can buy (or farm if I can manage it), and a, hopefully, adequate amount of ventillation. If I can't satisfy their needs then I will just have to find new homes for them.

I have decided to cut back on the number of birds we will get at first to 4, then I can see how they get on in half of the coop. If they seem healthy and happy then I will slowly increase their numbers until they start acting up. I will then open up the other half and I think that should provide as much space as they need. If they are really quiet. I might put a run in a secluded part of my property.

I hope this will be enough. Hopefully I can change the laws in the town so my birds will be able to roam (relatively) freely.

 

[jason_mazzy]

Build an 8 foot privacy fence around the garden shed. That will dampen and redirect most noise. Then leave the door open to the coop so they can come in and out. If they can not get out they could overheat. Ps if u are just doing a couple silkies you may be better off doing a house chicken. U would be surprised how many people think they are cats or fuzzy dogs.

 

[seagetts]

Also grow wheat and rye grass. They love the tender shoots and their eggs will have a better flavor.

 

[seagetts]

You have to be very careful when adding birds to a flock. In my experience the new birds will be harassed by the old birds. you may have to keep them separated until they get to the size of the older ones. also be careful of roosters they will fight each other.

 

[knjinnm]

Quote:
Before you start, talk to your neighbors, get to know them then ask if they would be agreeable to your plans. Then ask the town zoning board for a waver for a few hens, get a petition signed by all adjoining neighbors and their adjoining neighbors. Many towns are relaxing rules addressing chickens, you may have to buy a yearly permit.

 

[ranchhand]

Not trying to cause trouble, speaking only for myself- but why move to where you KNOW chickens are not allowed, when you want chickens? Odds are that sooner or later you will be reported, and then you will have the traumatic experience of getting rid of them.

That's really hard on kids. And since you already feel the neighbors will not be chicken friendly.......

I just don't understand the concept of choosing to risk law enforcement intervention, the disapproval of the community and heartbreak of children when there are other options? Hens can be noisy and they do need outdoor time. Perhaps you can find another option?

 

[imusa76]

when talking to the zoning board, you have chickens strictly for Pets.
also when talking to the neighbors tell them you are thinking of getting a few Pet chickens for the kids.

in my town they will allow them strictly for pets not to raise in a resadental area, I don't know what the diffrence is but I guess it sounds better.

 

[Micklemoose]

knj and ranch-

I chose the house for other reasons. There are very few towns near where I work that allow chickens of any kind and most of those are super expensive yuppie towns.

There was recently a family in town that tried to get a waiver to keep ONE pet chicken in their house! They were rejected and forced to get rid of it.

I am going to try my best to get the laws changed, but considering how hostile the town government has proven in the past I think my best bet is stealth. I have plenty of family members who live in rural areas and would take the chickens if I couldn't keep them.
Plus I have no intention of getting caught

I hope some day to move to some place rural where my neighbors wouldn't know if I was keeping leopards in my back yard, but I don't like to have to drive to work and this house is within biking distance of my company.

 

[zengrrl]

I think as long as you don't get any roo's you shouldn't have an issue. Silkies can't be sexed until 5 months when they crow or lay an egg so be careful with that. A small run maybe with vines or hedges may solve the issue of privacy and still allow them access to the outdoors. There are many covert chickens living in BANNED areas on here....just keep reading.

 

[Christine21656]

Could you make the one coop tha tyou were planning, with 2 levels, then make another one attached, the same way, but without a roof? Like putting fencing on top instead? That's the most sound proof way I can think to make it, and still let them have a run. I don't know how you can make it look like a shed doing that, though. Maybe make it look like you keep trashcans in that part? Or a dog?