Eglu Go With 2m Run For Sale

[alligg]

Hi everyone

My next door neighbour has decided to complain to some of the other neighbours about my 3 chooks,my girls are moulting and Olive in particular looks quite scraggy,they have told everyone I am not looking after them and that they are in a terrible state and that they should complain to the RSPCA.I am mortified,my chooks are perfectly fine and get the best of everything,it was only because one of the neighbours they told know me as they get eggs from me that I found out.I have been round to the neighbour in question and invited them to come and take a look at my set up and see for themselves.

My girls have a lovely coop with nesting box,large fenced off run area with plants,bark chipping,trees etc and they get free run of the whole garden every other day.

I carnt believe someone would do that without checking it out for themselves first.

I dont know what to do now.

Alli

[Lavenders_Blue]

How upsetting for you

Could you explain to the neighbour about moulting, and invite them to come and see your girls and see them again when they have grown their lovely new feathers?

I wouldn't worry about the RSPCA, if your neighbour did make a complaint, they would see your lovely set up and how well you care for your girls and might even explain to your neighbour that it is perfectly normal for a chicken to moult!

[jellykelly]

Bloomin' neighbours.

You have done the right thing by inviting him over. The neighbour obviously knows very little about chickens but a quick visit to you and you'll be able to enlighten them.

[chicken bark]

What a horrible situation you are in.

I think you have taken the right approach by inviting them over.

 

The only positive thing about your neighbour is that at least they were worried about the welfare of your chickens albeit out of ignorance.

 

I think you should take comfort that you know your chickens are well looked after.

 

It is not nice when you feel wrongly accused of something but in the long run it may be best to try and forget about it (really hard to do I know).

[sewitall]

I agree with the others - that your neighbour's assessment is based on ignorance. When they do come over to see for themselves try to remain pleasant and positive and try not show any feelings of negativity that you may have for them (if even you are quietly simmering underneath). Be proud of your chickens and extol the virtues of your real free range eggs. If your neighbour still seems bent on contacting the RSPCA then so be it. If they inform you that they going to do this then pleasantly respond that you understand and that they should do what they feel is right. They probably won't bother but even if they do you've got no worries. They will then feel foolish and you will have to be the mature one by not holding a grudge. I personally wouldn't offer them any eggs in case they construe it as some sort of bribe. Keep the neighbour who does buy eggs from you informed about the moulting process too so they can support your cause in any further discussions with the ones who are unhappy.

[Egluntyne]

I wouldn't worry. The RSPCA are unlikely to visit, and if they did, they would assess the situation for what it is I'm sure.

 

As has been said, your neighbour's comments were based on ignorance.

 

Why not take her some eggs, and print off a few fact sheets about hen welfare, and in particular, moults, to 'put her mind at rest'.

[chickyhazel]

Your neighbour probably doesn't know much about chickens, so just explain to her patiently. If she keeps going on, just ignore her. YOU know your chickens are well looked after.