forced to rehome my hens!!

[megan856]

Hi. I am looking for any advice or personal experiences with having to rehome chickens. I have had chickens for almost 4 years. Prior to doing so we asked the current mayor of our (small) town if we could and he basically said we could, unofficially. We went around to our surrounding neighbors and all were fine with it. After all of this time, our neighbors directly behind us decided to call the police instead of coming to us and started all of this upset. This was last year at this time. Since then, I received a ticket from our towns ordinance guy, appeared in court and was ordered to rehome within 30 days or pay $250. I will wait the full 30 days, for sure!! I want to try to change the ordinance. So many people have them and it would be nice to to so without fear of getting caught. BUT, this takes time. Are there any loopholes? I've even considered bringing some of my little ones inside and let them out when my neighbors aren't home! I have 1 silkie, one polish bantam , 1 Millie Fleur d'Uccle Bantam, 2 EE and 1 black australorp. I even have emotional support animals in mind. I know that has been taken advantage of, but i could definitely sell it if it works! I have a diagnosis I am medicated for as well as PTSD, my son is diagnosed anxiety and tourettes, i have 2 daughters with dyslexia and adhd and one with ptsd from what she went through in our school district before we got her out. We have issues in our house(LOL!!) and the chickens are surprisingly soothing to us. They've all been with us and handled from birth. even my kids friends are devastated! In addition to all of that, we get a ton of eggs that have really saved us $ at the store. They are quite cost effective! With all of our legal and related bills dealing with my girls dyslexia, having a healthy and free protein source has been lifesaving! Any kind/helpful advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[sylviethecochin]

List your location and see if there's anyone near you having a similar experience/idea. Then go to your state thread and try again (It'll be under "Social" then "Where am I? Where are you?" Click on that, there'll be a list of state threads linked at the top.)

Also, try Facebook.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Where are you located? I live in an unincorporated area, bit the next city over has laws that don't allow chickens unless your property meets certain criteria: size, proximity to others, and things like that. In fact, if people look on the city website, what's published is old as there was a new ordinance passed recently about urban agriculture.

 

[cheekychick3]

Hi There.
Sorry to hear your sad news, especially considering the Mayor said it would be fine. Even the neighbours, agreed. It is disgusting and degrading, to think they would treat you in this way. Especially your family, they must also know your children has issues. I know this is not the same, well in a way it is, as we have a son with Brain damage, since aged 18yr. He is now 50yr although we live in UK our laws may be diffrent.
However although it sounds daft, our electricity firm, has made our son priority, because of his brain damage. My husband has a 6ft marine tank, which eats our electric bill. Because of the lights pump ect. A few years ago we was stuck as it was near xmas,
i rang to explain we could not afford, to pay all our bill. We have never lied that we have
the tank, but this one guy, got a bit much, and told us get rid. Anyway i saw red, i said
check your priority lists mate, the tank is for our son, it helps keep him calm, and is like therapy for him. How dare you, he soon changed his tune, and it was sorted, with a huge
apologise. I said i will report you, as my son was 18yr when it happened. What i am trying to explain, is dig your heels in, and your children must have some support, from Authoritys. So tell them what is happening, and the chickens are therapy in so many ways, that goes for you too. If you ask me they have all done it below the belt to you.
It is a shame the Mayor did not put it in writing. Just tell them, it is 4 yrs you have, had
them, they are like your family. And why is it now they have given you notice. It sounds
as if you have jealous neighbours, they are sad. Do not let them win, surely you can get
help from the health people. Maybe they think you will just give in, no it goes a lot deeper than parting with your chickens. Will they be there picking up the pieces with your children. Phew sorry i am fuming, stay strong and see where you stand. Good luck.

 

[twendt]

I too, am an outlaw! This makes me sad and angry. My neighbors love my chickens, one in particular has dinner parties outside and brings her guests over to visit my girls, they live inside my fenced garden, so it's a cute setting. Look up Mad city chickens. Madison, WI had many underground chicken keepers until the same thing happened to one family. They took on their city government and won. It's something worth fighting for, Good Luck!!

 

[BGcoop]

I would also suggest to try talking to the neighbor that called the police, try to find out what started bothering them, maybe there is something that you could change about your set up that would help?

 

[megan856]

List your location and see if there's anyone near you having a similar experience/idea. Then go to your state thread and try again (It'll be under "Social" then "Where am I? Where are you?" Click on that, there'll be a list of state threads linked at the top.)

Also, try Facebook.

I live in south Jersey.

 

[megan856]

I would also suggest to try talking to the neighbor that called the police, try to find out what started bothering them, maybe there is something that you could change about your set up that would help?

I totally agree! I am intimidated. It’s ridiculous really! Like a scared little child...I hate conflict!

 

[CJLR]

So alll you need to qualify an animal for an emotional support animal is a letter from your family doctor saying that you and your kids would benefit from a emotional support animal . Good luck

 

[BGcoop]

I totally agree! I am intimidated. It’s ridiculous really! Like a scared little child...I hate conflict!

I hate conflict too! But maybe you can lead with that! “Hey neighbor, I really hate conflict and I want to make things better. Is there something that changed about my birds that started bothering you? Is there any thing I can do to make it better but still keep them?”
They may be total jerks about it but at least you would know you tried to be friendly before taking on the long process of trying to change the law.