Backyard chickens-who has them and do your neighbors care?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, no plans on eating the chickens but will love me some fresh, organic eggs that I KNOW are organic because I raised them. I think it's cool that they will free range in plenty of space and my child will learn about something unique and have a neat experience. For me it's a hobby and something I want to do. I'm really not surprised by some comments that chickens are "gross" and you can catch "xyz"-all of which are hilarious to me. Ignorance.

If you are managing the chicken coop well and don't have way too many chickens they shouldn't smell at all.If you smell chickens, you smell mis-management. To the PP above, if your FIL had secured his coop with proper chicken wire and a protected run that should not have occurred really. But there are predators out there just as alligators prey on people's little dogs is southern states. I don't think that means they shouldn't have dogs anymore. They should protect their pets.

In my experience here, people have a negative connotation associated with chickens. Last time I brought it up to someone they exclaimed, "Oh if that's something YOU'RE into, then good for you" in a condescending tone. I really wish people were more open-minded. We are not poor, quite the contrary

Then, one poster here has chickens?! I wonder if my neighbors will be opposed so they are not associated with "the chickens next door"? Hmmm

If you want fresh, organic eggs, order them from South Mountain Creamery.

You are seriously a fool. Why you would subject your neighbors to your foolishness is beyond me. I mean, are deliberately setting out to erode property values or something?

Op here. Nice promo and no thanks. How do you know my neighbor does not have chickens and I'm curious how an immaculately maintained 1/2 acre with a nice garden and landscaping is eroding property value? You would not be able to hear or see the chickens unless you are sitting in my backyard petting one.

You really miss the point. Raising chickens is an activity for the poors. It's the last step before total destitution. It says, "I cannot afford to buy eggs at the grocery store, so I'm going to try to collect my own and sell the extras." So, the appearance of chickens in any established neighborhood immediately downgrades the neighborhood quality. There is a STIGMA attached to this activity. You might as well put your beater up on cinder blocks in the front yard or something.

Now, don't get me wrong. Maybe you ARE having some difficulty with your finances. I'm sympathetic if you are. But, if that's the case, maybe you are stretching too far to buy the house and maybe you cannot afford the neighborhood? Something to think about.

OP here and I had no idea this would cause so much discussion about class. There are many people out there who don't agree with your gross generalizations. I buy eggs in bulk at Costco or Sams if I need them. I already own a house, I don't need to buy and I don't do this for mere necessity. If you read any of the earlier posts-you'd see I'm doing this as a HOBBY. I could totally care less if owning a couple chickens is an "activity for the poor" in your eyes. Again, how do you know my neighbors? Your rationalization doesn't make any sense and it brings to light the judgmental person you are. For this, I feel sorry for YOU.

[Anonymous]

OP, I DON'T know your neighbors, and you made it clear in your subject line that you are concerned about how your neighbors will perceive you.

They will judge you, detest you, and at worst, think you are poor. They will not, however, think your hobby is cute.

I realize you want everyone to say, "hey, cool!" But that's not going to happen.

Your first instinct was that maybe this might tick off your neighbors. I say, listen to your first instinct.

[Anonymous]

Urban farming is the new in thing, it is not a sign of class or wealth. OP, check out the "Urban Farm Handbook". It's one of many books written recently about urban farming.

I'd love to have chickens,but they are illegal in Rockville and I'm not a rule breaker. Once they stop laying, I'd eat them for dinner, but I understand not everyone can detach emotionally.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I DON'T know your neighbors, and you made it clear in your subject line that you are concerned about how your neighbors will perceive you.

They will judge you, detest you, and at worst, think you are poor. They will not, however, think your hobby is cute.

I realize you want everyone to say, "hey, cool!" But that's not going to happen.

Your first instinct was that maybe this might tick off your neighbors. I say, listen to your first instinct.

OP here, my first instinct is that roosters would tick them off since they make loud noises, not owning chickens in general. Again, don't really care what YOU think. Maybe I did not make myself clear though.I'm asking if you have a chicken AND if so, if your neighbor does or does not care. Do you own a chicken? probably not.Does your neighbor? I'm guessing no. Moving on...

[Anonymous]

16:47 here. For the record, I do not have any chickens right. I'm not seeking validation that is for sure. Just curious as to what people think about neighbors who have owned them and their experience. wow

[Anonymous]

I had neighbors with chickens growing up. As a kid, I thought it was cool. Of course my parents & neighbors were livid. They outcasted that family until they finally moved.

[Anonymous]

16:35 what makes you think the OP is female? just sayin

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had neighbors with chickens growing up. As a kid, I thought it was cool. Of course my parents & neighbors were livid. They outcasted that family until they finally moved.

OP here. Was this in a rural setting where chickens are acceptable or a suburban area very close to neighbors? I would not be very close to mine. 200ft or more probably

[Anonymous]

My neighbors down the street have a chicken coop. We are in Arlington and I'm pretty sure they're violating an ordinance because their yard is smallish and the coop is close to their fence, but they certainly don't bother anyone. No one minds at all! They have small children and they showed the chickens to my little boy when we were over there for a beer once -- I thought it was really neat! PPs who think this is a "low-class" hobby are completely off base. We live on a street of million dollar homes in a well educated, highly desirable neighborhood. With cool people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My neighbors down the street have a chicken coop. We are in Arlington and I'm pretty sure they're violating an ordinance because their yard is smallish and the coop is close to their fence, but they certainly don't bother anyone. No one minds at all! They have small children and they showed the chickens to my little boy when we were over there for a beer once -- I thought it was really neat! PPs who think this is a "low-class" hobby are completely off base. We live on a street of million dollar homes in a well educated, highly desirable neighborhood. With cool people.

... and all the neighbors snicker at the hillbillies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had neighbors with chickens growing up. As a kid, I thought it was cool. Of course my parents & neighbors were livid. They outcasted that family until they finally moved.

How delightful they are

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had neighbors with chickens growing up. As a kid, I thought it was cool. Of course my parents & neighbors were livid. They outcasted that family until they finally moved.

How delightful they are

How interesting that you view the chicken owners as the victims.

[Anonymous]

18:01 take a Valium. Holy fuck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had neighbors with chickens growing up. As a kid, I thought it was cool. Of course my parents & neighbors were livid. They outcasted that family until they finally moved.

How delightful they are

How interesting that you view the chicken owners as the victims.

no but if you are outcasting a person you must be such a peach to begin with. why not call animal control?

[Anonymous]

I think 18:01 needs to take a hard look at the "sex and relationships" threads while she's at it. Might be a great way to finally get laid. Just sayin