I can see both sides of the coin here. First, what is your relationship with your neighbors to begin with? If it is legal to own the chickens, then you really don't owe them anything. Like someone else mentioned, it is no different than someone getting a dog or cat or rabbit or whatever, except your chickens actually give you something in return
I am trying to persuade friend who live in town to start a petition to allow chickens within the limits of the "city" (population 2700 or so). If you are going to keep things clean and if the neighbors don't want to look at your chickens, then let them put up a fence or something to screen them. As far as I see it, they should be delighted to be able to watch your chickens along with you, but that is just me.
Like Speckledhen said, your neighbors might construe your advising them of your intentions as asking permission and then you will have an even bigger problem.
I would go about doing what you have planned and enjoy the prospect, and if someone is unhappy about it, let them come to you.
I hope this doesn't sound snipy, because I really am serious. Who knows, maybe one of your neighbors just doesn't know they can have chickens and your getting some will spark a trend.
Good luck.
Okay, now I have a problem with "give them some fresh eggs". Are they buying groceries for you? Maybe mowing your yard? Why would you need to bribe others in order for you to feel good about having chickens? I found out my neighbor got horses when the horse showed up. I found out they got a cow when the cow showed up. (On a side note, have you ever heard a rooster and cow talking to each other?) The only person I spoke to about getting chickens was my wife, and that is all that was needed.
I never said anything to my neighbors when I got my 6 hens(now 3). When I finally moved them outside to a shed,and was herding them around the yard someone mentioned," I see you have chickens." to which I replied," Yes,isn't it wonderful that our city laws allow us to have chickens??!?! The next city over doesn't let you have chickens." The end. Then I started giving eggs,which some pay for.
I did let the neighbors know when I was thinking of putting up a fence.I wanted them to know I would have a survey done,and that I would make sure the fence was just inside he property line. Even though neighbors knew,some did get upset when it was actually done a few years later.
I am thinking about a rooster.One neighbor said it was ok.But talking and living it is different,so I know if I end up with a vocal one there could be problems. If I lived on a small lot I would install a solid fence,and get my hens if they were permitted....no permission asked. Best wishes!
I think my plans for a cloths line might cause more issue with others than the hens!
I am thinking the free eggs will result in something coming my way.So far neighbors have snow plowed my long long drive a few times.A true blessing since it takes me hours to shovel by hand.Another,much to the delight of my chidlren,gave a huge platter of baked goods after they got a dozen eggs from me.