[nerdle]

They are a retired couple - he is a lovely guy but she has been vile to me since I moved here. They were dead against me having chickens from the start and when I had one silent hen I felt disapproval come over the fences in waves! We don't talk now - that's a really long story!

[Beetroot Queen]

How many chooks do you have now. Good luck if they come and visit.

[nerdle]

Three pekins.  I think they'll ask my neighbour to keep a 'noise diary' for three weeks to get an idea of the problem. 

[Sassy]

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.

As far as I am aware the allotment act regarding the keeping of hens applies to domestic properties

[splash101]

Sorry to hear that nerdle. Yes they would jump through lots of hoops before taking them away, i very much doubt it would come to that anyway.

I suspect that the problem your neighbour has, isnt anything to do with your hens. Some people are just like that and will use anything as an excuse.

Hope it gets sorted and quickly too.

[Beetroot Queen]

Three lol we had 12 at one point and although our grumpy neighbour didnt like them she only moaned to herself and her poor hard suffering hubby.

Good luck xx

[pepsi100]

I could post a video from my security camera, it would be pretty boring and quiet, only noise is from them laying eggs (some dont tell the world)

This is from Sunday, they cackled 4 times, Barry crowed 5 times

There is more noise from the kids playing and the birds in the trees

I wonder what the neighbours problem is, it cant just be the noise a chook makes, surely ?

[joyfull]

it may be the allotment law but it covers all land including your garden. This law over-rides any local bye-laws etc so if they say you cant keep them point out that an act of parliament says you can (this applies to hens only not cockerels).

[nerdle]

That's wonderful news Joyfull thank you!  I'm not that worried but it would be nice to be sure.
when I think of what some people endure from their neighbours - parties, littering, dogs incessant barking...this is so ridiculous.  Looking for the allotment law now!

[evie2]

We had new neighbours move in a few years ago, they made all sorts of rumpus about everything they even upset one of our most easy going neighbours.  He cornered me one day, well verbally assaulted me would be more accurate, when I pointed out he was actually stealing from our property.  Anyway, he told me 'keep your fowl off my land' that he didn't have any birds in his garden as his 3 year old might eat the poo I asked if he had informed the flipping great wood pigeon about that, I was in a bit of a mood by then   He then insisted I stop my fowl, yes, that's what he called my chickens, laying their eggs in the tree,' it's not right' it was our tree in our garden and I told him he was an idjit. 

Long story short, police were involved regarding theft, council and RSPCA involved regarding trees and chickens .  The decision at the end of the process concluded my description of him being an idjit was probably spot on.

It's a horrible situation nerdle and I really feel for you, keep your chin up and don't let it spoil your enjoyment of your girls

Now don't get me started on the barking dog problem

[Yorkie]

it may be the allotment law but it covers all land including your garden. This law over-rides any local bye-laws etc so if they say you cant keep them point out that an act of parliament says you can (this applies to hens only not cockerels).

Just to highlight that while Joyfull is absolutely correct, the Allotments Act 1950 relates to being allowed to keep hens despite any provisions in land documents to the contrary.  It specifically also says that it is subject to the hens not causing a statutory nuisance.  So, if the council deems a statutory nuisance to exist, the Allotments Act won't help.

[grinling]

Take a wander around chicken run/shed/fence boundaries looking for rat holes and fill in. If you do find them a rat trap would help.
Make sure run/house spotless, though 3 pekins make hardly a mess!!
Make sure that there are no escape holes into the neighbours.
Good luck

[barley]

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

WOT !!!!

They are sad sad people 

maybe make some cakes with fresh eggs to offer the council official pointing out that they are just 3 little hens kept as pets ( no different to bunnies in size  ) and the eggs are just a bonus 

Then offer a cup of tea to go with said cake 

Good luck Nerdle keeping all fingers crossed for you xx

[pepsi100]

I'd do 2 eggs on toast, sunny side up  you dont get any better than that 

2 sunshines on a plate and the world is good 

[barley]

I'd do 2 eggs on toast, sunny side up  you dont get any better than that 

2 sunshines on a plate and the world is good 

cakes and two sunny side ups pepsi - she'll have it all wrapped up in her favour in no time