We got, "The Letter", from the City. Hows my response?

[mrandmrschicken]

The original letter.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt78/mrandmrschicken/citydoc.jpg

Our response.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt78/mrandmrschicken/citydocreply1-1.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt78/mrandmrschicken/citydocpg2final.jpg

What you read as the city code is indeed the full city code. Also, don't be offended by my reference to large fowl farm chickens. It is a means to an end.

 

[Felicia]

very nice letter you wrote back. I am not best with writing and English, so I am sure others may have some corrections - but I love what you wrote.

 

[sred98]

Very well worded.

The only thing I might not have putt is that the Easter Eggers are "mutts". You probably should have put Hatchery quality Ameraucanas, or something like that. The only reason I say that, is because you mention shows and rare breeds, then you say you have 2 mutts.

I think you addressed each point eloquently and straight forward. I don't think anyone would be offended by the large fowl comment. I only have large fowl, and I wasn't.

Do you have any documentation at all from the Green Waste Management? Or a contact name? Start documenting. Get affidavits from the schools, Head Start, etc. Pictures would also be good.

Good Luck and please keep us posted!

Shelly

 

[Happy Chicken Mama]

Great!

Let us know how it goes...

Good luck!

 

[Highlander]

I was going to mention the "mut" thing too. To me, "mutt" sounds like an accidental mating - it could come across like you don't have your breeding practices under control. I would be more inclined to say "crosses" which sounds like you meant it to happen

Also, when you said your neighbour calls to say your birds are over there "again" it makes it sound like they are being a nuisance. I would re-word that something along the lines of: "on the rare occasion that my birds wander into a neighbours property, he is kind enough to call me to let me know and I take immediate steps to bring them home". Or words to that effect.

Otherwise a very consise and nicely put together letter. Good luck.

 

[rancher hicks]

I thought it was a very nice letter I look forward to see their response. Many city children have never seen chickens or farm animals for that matter. My daughter took to school a container of worms and was amazed at the kids reaction. The school part was really nice and showed how the community benefits from your situation.

 

[onthespot]

Your letter is well worded and thorough. I did notice that you let your birds free range and they go to the neighbor, who then calls you about it. I would infer from that that he does not want them on his property. Maybe you could build a tractor for them to range in your back yard in safety and with some restraint. You say they cause "no damage" but I cannot think of one chicken that free ranges and does "no damage" as by nature they scratch, peck, dig, eat vegetation and small animals and invertbrates. Even if it is only a few petals here, a few scratch marks there, to just a certain sort of person, those scratch marks can look like African Lion claw marks, and the few petals they browse off the flower bed may be from his prize winning blooms, or from an heirloom plant he transplatned from his grandmother's garden at the house he grew up... You just never know what value people place on their plants and decor, same as they would never know what value we place on our chickens. I feel strongly that chickens, especially those kept out of compliance with their local codes should not be allowed to free range onto a neighbor's property ever, but that is just me. It sounds like your city is open minded and workable. Best of luck in your efforts to obtain a variance. Keep us posted.

 

[mrandmrschicken]

Oops! Thought mutt was editied out! Oh well, the letter was submitted Wednesday, to the Administrator. I intentionally left in the part about the neighbors comments because all the council members know him as one of those guys who can complain about insignifigant things. My guess is they will think, "that sounds like Roy"! So far, our birds have not eaten any plants or done any digging damage in our yard or the neighbors. Thanks for your positive support!

I do plan to attend the council meeting Mon. evening.

 

[mrandmrschicken]

Got the agenda from City and our discussion is number 1 on a list of 15 items. Hope to breeze through and get outta there with a green light!

 

[rancher hicks]

Regardless of the negative comments, by red98 and onthespot, I'm saying a prayer for your case anyway, that God will get them to show you mercy and see things your way. Amen!