[beth123]

Morning everyone

We have builders in next door and for the last few days they have been burning wood throughout the day.  Will the smoke harm my girls?  It that bad that even our house smells of smoke so it must be terrible for my chickens.

Kind Regards

[PaulineM]

I don't think it would harm your girls but I really don't know for sure.
If the builders insist on burning the wood all you can really do is hope for a change in the wind direction 

[RichardA]

ring environmental health at your local council and ask if they are allowed to create a nuisance like that. They aren't
R

[orchardlady]

I think I'm inclined to agree with Richard there. I think that builders are not supposed to burn building materials and stuff pulled out of houses they are working on. They are a bit naughty doing this but it saves them money as they don't have to take it to a proper tip, which they have to pay for per load. I should think it is fairly unpleasant for your birds and from what you say not good for you either. It might be worth a polite comment to your neighbour who may well be out at work all day and so isn't affected or even the actual builders. Work on the basis that you want to win their support rather than going in all guns blazing. Explain how it is affecting you and your birds, if you aren't one pretend you are an asthmatic!

OL

[Paul Plots]

I think I'm inclined to agree with Richard there. I think that builders are not supposed to burn building materials and stuff pulled out of houses they are working on. They are a bit naughty doing this but it saves them money as they don't have to take it to a proper tip, which they have to pay for per load. I should think it is fairly unpleasant for your birds and from what you say not good for you either. It might be worth a polite comment to your neighbour who may well be out at work all day and so isn't affected or even the actual builders. Work on the basis that you want to win their support rather than going in all guns blazing. Explain how it is affecting you and your birds, if you aren't one pretend you are an asthmatic!

OL

A compromise might be for the builders to burn the wood somewhere else away from your property - other end of the garden?  Might that be worth discussing?

[Jeanette]

The same thing happened to me. Just over the fence from where the chickens were the builders lit a huge bonfire. I went to see them and explained that they were harming my chickens and they put the fire out and never lit one again.

[beth123]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I've rung my council and unfortunately builders are allowed to burn material at any time of day and although its a nuisance they aren't breaking any rules.  My husband has spoken to them and they have agreed not to light any more fires after today although I'm not convinced.  I might have to do what Orchardlady suggested and pretend I'm asthmatic - you always give good advice.