katieandnick Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 (edited) So, we got in from work tonight to discover a note on the doormat saying some bloke from Environmental Health wanted to talk to us about a complaint from the neighbours about the "odour and flies" from our chickens. What do we do? Our neighbours have been nightmares for years (various issues, loud music, fixing/revving their broken knackered cars outside our lounge windows, smoking outside our windows, etc, etc, and not to discount their various bigoted comments), but we've never made a fuss about anything. We've check the chicken run, no smell, flies normal for this time of year, we live in a very rural, countryfied area. We both now feel sick and scared inside our own house. Any advice? Edited May 19, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 Easier said than done but don't panic. EH will have had to contact you due to the complaint. I'd contact EH tomorrow and ask them to come and look at your setup and see for themselevs that there isn't a problem. They'll also see the state of next doors house. Could be an idea to get some rat traps as the EHO I saw said that was usually the next complaint but he could see we had no evidence of rats. Keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 I agree - invite them in and get them on side if you can It annoys me when people dont feel they can express their concerns directly - the EH should be a last resort They sound like tricky neighbours to have Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 If a complaint is made, they have to check it out - doesn't mean there is anything wrong, so don't panic. If your hens are clean and healthy then they'll see that. I'm sorry you have such awkward neighbours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billathome65 Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 I agree with what has bee said already. And I would suggest that you don't go throwing random remarks out about your neighbours as it may not be that one who complained some of my best friends have been my worst enemies It will be just unsubstantiated hear say to the EH. We have had the RSPCA at our home in the past on three occasions ( Before we got the chucks I may add ) there are some nasty minded people out there. Don't worry I know these autonomous coward calls are upsetting but it's par for the course. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieandnick Posted May 20, 2011 Author Share Posted May 20, 2011 Thanks everyone. I've rung EH and he's going to come out on Monday afternoon to see the girls. He sounded utterly unconcerned - asked how long we'd kept chickens, if we'd had any problems before (no), if we'd seen flies (well, yes, we live in the country - he laughed and agreed!). So I think it'll be okay. I just hope this doesn't escalate into complete nastiness once they get the letter confirming their complaint is groundless. Ho hum. I wish neighbours weren't such a lottery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billathome65 Posted May 20, 2011 Share Posted May 20, 2011 EH don't tend to contact the complainant about decisions made and will only confirm a visit was made if the complainant calls to complain again. All should be good keep us updated. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stedic Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 Someone in my local area has a cockeral - we live in the middle of a city. I had two people from EH knock on my door because I'd been reported as owning him. I was also terrified, but they were really pleasant. I showed them the girls, run etc and they were very happy with things. They left with a box of eggs each, though I imagine they weren't supposed to! Do you use Stalosan F at all? When I mentioned it they EH lot were happy, I think it kills fly eggs and certainly smells nice enough. Might be worth having some about to show how pro-active you are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 There are some mean spirited people out there Hope all goes well on Monday, but I can't see why it wouldn't Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 I agree with all the comments aboove; it is the duty of EH to investigate any complaint & they are used to getting vindictive callers; once they see what your setup is & healthy girls they won't be a problem. During my messy divorce my ex reported me to the RSPCA about my dog (because I wouldn't sign her over to him) & when he arrived he could see that she was in perfect condition. We chatted for ages about dogs (and divorce!) in the garden and I had to grit my teeth as I could hear the dog in the kitchen eating all our dinner that I had just served up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollie333 Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 Citronella oil is good for the flies. I'd speak to them direct, seems they have no back bone to directly talk to you, you should make sure they know that you do everything to keep them clean, ect. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieandnick Posted May 23, 2011 Author Share Posted May 23, 2011 An update. The EHO just left. He was here for about five minutes, I showed him the run and the girls, he was impressed by the cleanliness, did comment that yes, there were flies, but that would be expected and that as long as we were keeping the girls clean it wouldn't be a problem. He was very impressed by the Orpy girls too! He said they were all being kept in an exemplary fashion and that would be that. So two fingers vertical to the neighbours! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan08 Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Great news! Have 2 fingers from me too! some people just need to get a life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majuka Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Well done, you obviously take very good care of your girls! What a shame that you were caused so much worry by one of your neighbours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I'm sooo pleased for you! *blows raspberry at neighbours* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfer_chicken Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 That's great news I just hope they don't try to cause anymore trouble for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 that is good news, now you can relax and enjoy your girls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suzannejoy Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
