Neighbors have a problem with my chicken... what do I do?

Question

Ok, we live basically outside of a small town (pretty much a rural setting). We have some chicken that my mother in law and my kids really enjoy having in the backyard. Noise is not the problem, they're not noisy. Neighbor came today saying his wife has lupus and we have to get rid of them because she won't get well until they're gone. I can put them in a greenhouse so they're not outside, but that might not be good enough for the neighbors. I don't want to have to tell my daughter that she has to get rid of all her chickens. This sucks! Whatever happened to the freegin land of the free...

PS. I keep them for meat and eggs. If you have a problem with that, I'm not interested in your answer.

Ok thanks so much for the input everybody. A few more details:
1) I guess the neighbor also mentioned that they're worried about avian flu. (he talked to my wife, I wasn't there). But if they're being paranoid about that I think they're crazy.
2) There is no "city ordinance" against animals since we're outside city limits, however there is some kind of rule against animals from the homeowners association. Therefore, it is most likely I will turn them into chicken nuggets (I don't want any trouble) and as much as my 6 year old cried when she heard she can't keep them, I have to get rid of them. On the other hand, other neighbors here have lots of chicken, they let them roam all over on the road, so even if I get rid of mine, her chicken problems won't be over.
Sounds like I'm about to look into moving into more animal friendly territory.

Answer 1

It has been my experience in life (I am a Sr Citizen) that there is always going to be someone with their panties in a wad.

If the chickens make your daughter happy and your mother-in-law happy, supply you with meat for your freezer, eggs for the table and only do the normal things that chickens do..........tell your neighbors to pizz off. The chickens are Not causing his wife's health problems.

*I live in the country.....I have chickens,ducks,guineas and one goose and I wouldn't give them up for anything.

Answer 2

I have had Lupus for 25 years now, and have gone from having chickens, to having no chickens and am now back to having chickens again. There has been NO difference in the Lupus - because in Lupus the body essentially attacks itself.

Wouldn't it be great if when someone asks why I use a cane, I could just say, it's because...........
*the (neighbors) chicken crossed the road* !!!

Unless the other neighbors gives up their chickens as well, I would tell them to forget it.

Answer 3

If you signed a paper to the "homeowners association" about rules related to animals, then you and the chicken have a date with the oven. I you didn't signed anuthing then and there's no law agains it , then you can keep them.

The Lupus argument seems to me like a made-up thing, she lives in the country side, there are thing worst than chicken she can get rid of. So politely ask for proof, or call some Lupus information center, they'll tell you if it's true what they claim.

Answer 4

I think your neighbor is being a jerk. I don't see how your chickens could affect his wife's health, especially if the chickens aren't noisy. Has he given any other logical reason why you need to get rid of the chickens? If not, I think you have a right to keep them wherever you please, as long as they're on your property. You can always visit the Lupus Foundation of America and see if they can answer any questions about the relation of chickens and lupus.

Answer 5

Hmmm....I didn't know there was a cure for Lupus. I would research it. If your neighbor can feel better, I would consider being neighborly.
After thinking about it for a few more minutes, that's a tough call. My thought was "it's just a chicken", but if you feel for your chickens like I do my dogs, I know I couldn't get rid of them. Still, I'd research the lupus and if there is no connection, I'd politely let your neighbor know the next time they complain.

Answer 6

I have had Lupus for 25 years now, and performance lengthy gone from having chickens, to having no chickens and am now lower back to having chickens again. there has been NO enormous difference interior the Lupus - because in Lupus the body in fact assaults itself. does no longer or not that is tremendous if even as someone asks why i exploit a cane, i might want to easily say, that is because........... *the (friends) poultry crossed the line* !!! except the different friends supplies up their chickens as well, i'd tell them to ignore it.

Answer 7

I did not know lupus had anything to do with chickens. Maybe you need to visit her doctor with her and have him explain how your getting rid of your chickens will make your neighbor well. Otherwise she should move to the city for her healths sake.

Answer 8

"won't get well until they're gone"? What, because of "chicken pox" connection. It is still the land of equal protection under the law. If your chicken is violating a local ordinance, you must have it for dinner. If not, it stays. You cannot have a neighbor tell you what to do with your pets. SHE is the one who needs to move, not you.

Answer 9

(Kate, love your answer!)

I'd keep the chickens, but be kind to the neighbor. It must be a frightening, depressing time for her, and she's looking for ways to explain the unexplainable--a terrible illness.

Explain to her why you're keeping the chickens--that you were concerned about her and her health, so you did your research, but you can't find any information to substantiate claims that chickens contribute to lupus. And wish her well.

Answer 10

Coop them if it suits you, but where does the law say "you have to get rid of them"? No one knows what causes lupus as far as I know, so I doubt it has a damn thing to do with your chickens. Ask them to show you proof. But, if you know you are keeping them, I would not really be interested in it. "Bock" on.