[barley]

Good Greif   

some people really need to get a life !!!!!   

now you know why I escaped to the country - my bantam cockerel shouts his head off all day - I love that sound and you can hear cockerels in the distant farms answering him back

don't get mad Nerdle - just get facts in place and then get even 

[nerdle]

Thank you all!
She did complain last year about a smell - the council man came round and found no problem. 

I can keep them in until I get up to stop them making a noise at 5.30 am but I won't do anything else.
She is a habitual complainer so she may be known to the council. My other neighbours have received eggy gifts and hen-sit.

If asked I'll say I got rid of a cockerel (which I did - he went back to the breeder when he was still very young) and I intend to keep chickens for 20 years!!!!

[pepsi100]

You cant please everyone, I would imagine she is jealous, and yes I would think unless she gets everything her own way she is going to complain about something

I have had chickens for over 20 years in my garden (not the same ones though )

A new neighbour moved in and asked about my cockerel and asked if he crowed, I said of course, he said as the cockerel was there before him, he couldnt complain, but could he bring his kids in to see him (He comes every Sunday with the kids now, and I hide a couple of eggs for his kids to find)

Did you tell the council you keep chickens ?

I get the occasional visit from the RSPCA, just too see if the place is clean (and they can scrounge eggs from me)

[Sassy]

We have a covenant on our houses, there since 1895 that forbids us to keep chickens.  However 3 doors up ignore this and keep them.   Nobody complains.   Next door had them for a bit and were given a cockerel by mistake.  I have to admit that was a complete pain at 4.00 am until they got it swapped for a chicken.

There is a more recent law that overrides this covenant. No one can stop you keeping hens as long as they are cared for appropriately.

[nerdle]

That's very reassuring Sassy.  I have no family and dog died last year so my little girls are vital to the plot!

[pepsi100]

I dont think you have anything worry about Nerdle

Your neighbour is just another whiner and the council are probably aware of her

Just enjoy your chooks 

[Yorkie]

We have a covenant on our houses, there since 1895 that forbids us to keep chickens.  However 3 doors up ignore this and keep them.   Nobody complains.   Next door had them for a bit and were given a cockerel by mistake.  I have to admit that was a complete pain at 4.00 am until they got it swapped for a chicken.

Despite the covenant, they are legally entitled to keep the chickens (not the cockerel) - as long as they aren't causing a statutory nuisance.

[andy46]

My back garden backs onto the local cemetary where there are lots of trees and the wild birds make more noise than my four girls.

[pepsi100]

My back garden backs onto the local cemetary

No complaints from th tenants in there then 

[Tenhens]

Ours make a bit of noise when an egg appears. We had a load of hen manure that was well matured, spread it on the veg plot and the result? best spuds I've tasted!! Children were not too impressed when after eating them ( they liked them) Where do you think the hen manure went!! their faces were a picture!!

Would rather hear our feathered friends than some 'pest' with their music.

[nerdle]

Well they have now complained so the council are obliged to investigate.  Let's see.

[joyfull]

Just make sure your coop and run is clean, your feed is stored in rat proof bins and that you are nice an polite to the council officer when they turn up. It also helps to have a knowledge of the allotment act regarding keeping chickens just in case they try and tell you that you cant 

[pepsi100]

Well they have now complained so the council are obliged to investigate.  Let's see.

This is going to be interesting, keep us updated

[nerdle]

Thank you Joyfull.  This is a domestic property not an allotment.  I've done some reading about the law and I'm hoping they'll have to jump through lots of hoops before they can actually take my hens away. The difference between 'statutory nuiscance' and 'annoyance' is a grey area and down to the councillor's  opinion I suspect.

[pepsi100]

I cant see it being any more annoying than the birds in the trees, they only cackle when they lay and egg, after that they are eating

But as long as everything is clean and put away, I cant see them being able to do much

Have you had a chat with other neighbors ?

How do they feel about your chooks ?