Where should I place the coop in my suburban lot

[obsessed]

So I have a nice size lot with a yard that is wider than it is deeper. I have neighbors on all sides. One on each side and three behind me ( I have a wide lot). So where can I place my coop? All neighbors have dogs and the neighbors on each side are kind of not into the chicken thing ( I have already asked). the neighbors behind me I don't know and never see them. I don't intend on having very many. Should I place them closer to my house than the fence so that the noise and smell dont bother them?

 

[coffeelady3]

I would try to figure out where in the house their bedrooms are and use that do decide where to move the coop. The noise isn't likely to bother anyone unless they're trying to sleep.

 

[patandchickens]

First thing is to check with zoning requirements. (There are actually two separate issues here - whether you're allowed to keep chickens, and controls on what you build and where on the lot it is located). Sheds etc often have to be located X feet from lot lines and buildings; sometimes extra requirements apply for chicken occupancy. So I'd find out before you get too far into planning.

Good luck,

Pat

 

[orbirdman]

check what the laws are in your area. if your neighbors are not into you having chickens this may be an uphill battle. if and when you have everything set up invite them over to take a look at the birds and share your eggs with em.

 

[JennsPeeps]

In our area coops must be placed 50' from buildings, per municipal code. Since I, too, live on a suburban lot that's just 35'x75', that's utterly impossible.

I tucked my coop up next to my house between mine & our neighbors (renters). The coop is, literally, on the property line. There's about 5 feet between our house and the property line, so we just enclosed that area as a run. It was already fenced but we never went back there. I intend to bribe the neighbors on that side with eggs once the girls do start laying.

The girls free-range during the day only if I'm at home. That helps alleviate the problem of being so close. It also bring the problem of flies into my yard, front & center (yuck!).

As long as you're legally allowed to have chickens and are a good owner, there's no reason you shouldn't get them and put them where ever you want in the yard. Follow the local codes as much as possible and be the best neighbor you can be. If any complaints come and you're investigated, you'll be able to prove due diligence. Even though the neighbors "aren't into the chicken thing", it's your property.

BTW, re the dog thing - my neighbors on either side have dogs. I've got an agreement with each: keep your dog on your side and I'll keep my chickens on mine. If my pets wind up dead in your yard, that's my fault. But if your dog kills them in my yard, you'll owe me financial restitution and a better fence.

 

[WA23]

It sounds like my situation exactly.


The city I live in does not have any chicken rules. I called the city code enforcement first. They just advised not to keep a rooster, which I don't. I view it this way, if the neighbor on one side of me has a "home buisness-hobby" of welding and pounding metal and running a loud air compressor at very odd hours (Boeing worker currently on strike) and a neighbor on the other side who has a 19 yo daughter who has "parties" (open to your imagination) many times a week that fills up their back and front yard with other teens in addition to the neightborhood dogs that can be heard blocks away, I will put my chickens where ever I want on my land.

I agree with JennsPeeps; "As long as you're legally allowed to have chickens and are a good owner, there's no reason you shouldn't get them and put them where ever you want in the yard. Follow the local codes as much as possible and be the best neighbor you can be. If any complaints come and you're investigated, you'll be able to prove due diligence. Even though the neighbors "aren't into the chicken thing", it's your property."

I have a decent relationship with all of my neighbors. I have had a coop and chickens for about Three months now and not one of them have said a word about it or even seem to notice. I have talked to them many times since.

My 7' tall coop is near my house with a 70 sf run that is a little over six feet tall. They can all see it. I don't think you will have a problem if you do your part and keep the smell and unsightlyness down. (I don't think sound will be a problem either)