Tuesday, June 18, 2013

A Chicken Mom No Longer


I have been dreading writing this post but quickly I will just say we longer have chickens. It has been a stressful few weeks, the result of a cranky old neighbor who could not accept chickens in the neighborhood. He doesn't even live next to me but whatever. They have gone to live with Aunty Kris at Simplify. She has a nice post and some pictures of them on her blog. She is a saint and I am so thankful that she has given them such a wonderful home. The coop was dreadfully lonely so the very next day Q and I filled it with plants and veggies. I will share some pics of it soon.

65 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to hear that! Chicken are the nicest!

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  2. Oh! That is really sad! I know how much you loved those chickens and took such care of them. Too bad neighbors can't mind their own yards and let people be!

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  3. I am so, so sorry to hear that. Your chickens had such a perfect environment and loving home. What a cranky neighbor!

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  4. I am sorry that you no longer have your girls.
    I use to want chickens but my DH said no way. We can't have them in town anyway. You would think it would be common in a small farming town. I would just love to wake up to a rooster crowing first thing in the morning, but I guess it isn't for everyone.

    Maybe that neighbor will move away soon and you can have them again.

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  5. I am so sorry! That is sad and I know you miss them. Glad they have a new home though!

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  6. so sorry to hear this - i wish neighbors would understand we are all different. we all enjoy different pets or friends in our lives. nuts!! wish we could all get along together.

    i hope you & the family will get the chance to visit them often. ( :

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  7. My heart is still breaking for you!!
    xo Kris

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  8. There seems to be one contrary person in every neighborhood.

    I live in a semi-rural area and have a lab mix, who is a fence jumper. He used to jump the fence every day and visit several neighbors. They loved him, and looked forward to his visits. Several neighbors, who don't have dogs, used to buy treats for Jasper. One neighbor complained that he shouldn't be allowed off leash, and threatened to cause trouble if she saw him again. So, now when Jasper goes outside it is on a leash or chain. He hates that, and is not as happy as he used to be. Jasper's friends are angry about the neighborhood "busybody" and miss his visits.
    If something isn't hurting someone, why is it necessary to create friction?
    nancyr

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  9. I'm so sorry that you've had to give up your chickens. At least they've gone to a good home :)

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
    (¸.•´ (¸.•`¤... Jennifer
    Jenn's Random Scraps

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  10. I could tell you loved those chickens - so sorry!

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  11. I'm going to pray for you that he moves. What goes around comes around he should remember that.

    Hugs,

    Valerie
    Cottage Making Mommy
    www.lovingmyheartandhome.blogspot.com

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  12. I'm sad to hear you had to give up your chickens and am at a loss how someone who lived houses away could even hear the chickens. I can think of many things louder than chickens--lawnmowers, noisy mufflers, trash trucks, and don't forget barking dogs!

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  13. Oh no Elaine!! I'm so sorry! I know you loved your chickens and I can't imagine having to give them up. Hugs and prayers for you. I know some people don't understand why we would mourn them but they become part of the family like any other pet. :(

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  14. Oh, Elaine! I can't believe it, I know your heart is broken. I'm so sorry, absolutely awful. Just thankful they have gone to a good loving home.

    Hugs ~ Mary

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  15. I am so sorry to hear of this, you so loved your chickens. I want chickens, but in the suburb where I live, even though I have 2.5 acres and live next to a big open farm field, we are not allowed to have chickens, go figure! You are a very generous soul to do this in order to keep peace in your neighborhood!

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  16. I am so sorry that you have a cranky neighbor and then that you had to give your chicks away. I know you sent them to a good home, but it must sound different in your yard.

    Hope your week gets better.

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  17. So sorry. I just wonder sometimes about some people who make life so unhappy for others. It's like they don't have a life of their own.

    Judy

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  18. Soooo sorry Elaine. I hate cranky neighbours! I have one about my cat. I'm letting the garden go wild at thhe back of my yard so I don't have to see him! J

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  19. Now that just down-right stinks. I can't stand people like that, grrrr.

    I'm so sorry. I know how much you loved having them around and you've worked so hard to create a lovely space for them. I'm thankful though that they have another good home. Yay, Aunty Kris! I'm heading over now to check on the chickens!

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  20. Oh no! I am so sorry and know you are heartsick about it. You were so good with them too. Sad, I hope you get to visit them.

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  21. Iam beyond sorry.....hopefully you will get to visit them often.....what a nasty old neighbor!!!!

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  22. Oh I'm sorry Elaine. Having chickens would never fly in our neighborhood. We have lots of rules, most of which I'm glad for. But your chickens weren't bothering anyone!

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  23. Sorry to hear you had to give up your chickens. :-( Silly neighbor! Glad to hear you were able to find them a good home.

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  24. Oh no!!!
    How ridiculous! Hen's are not noisy at all and yours were beautifully kept. He's not even next door :(

    I am so sorry, I know how you loved your girls xxxxx

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  25. I am so sorry. If your neighborhood/town has covenants against chicken keeping, that is a real shame. If it doesn't, but you are trying to keep the peace -- you are a better woman than I! I'm not sure what I would do in such a situation.

    But where a door closes, a window opens. More room for garden!

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  26. Aw Man!
    I am just reading this... I am so sorry. I know you really enjoyed having your chickens...
    I'm glad they're at a good home and I hope you get to see them on occasion.
    I'm also very sorry you have a cranky neighbor. I wouldn't wish that on anybody.

    Pat

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  27. I always assumed your city/county codes allowed chickens? If not, you can start some progress/movement there, with petitions, etc. to change the codes. The City of Boise upped their limit from 3 hens last year to 8, all due to public pressure. I hope things change for you, and hang in there!

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  28. I just read Simplify's post- that's too bad. Someone calling the police repeatedly, from noise? I'd start egging his house, but that's just me :( I never suggested that.

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  29. I'm sorry you had to give up your chickens, I'm glad they went to such a good home with Kris and her girls. It stinks that one neighbor can cause so much grief, there is one in every neighborhood. Maybe Mr Cranky Pants will move away or find something else to complain about and you can get more chickens. I know you must miss them terribly.
    Deb

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  30. So sorry Elaine. It is not easy to get rid of animals, they do become part of the family.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  31. Oh no, this just breaks my heart. People can be so narrow minded sometimes. I bet it has been a stressful few weeks. I know how much you loved and cared for your girls so I know this has to be so hard for you. I am so sorry!

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  32. I am so sorry. I enjoyed reading about them...I've always wanted to keep chickens, but our town has rules. Too bad people can't just let things be...Balisha

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  33. oh how sad, I hope you get to stop and visit, what is wrong with people? Move to the country..that's what I'd like to do..

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  34. Oh I am so sorry! Why must people be like that? I know how much you loved the girls. I hate that someone ruined it for you:>(

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  35. So sorry to hear this....was it legal for you to have them? If so, he had no say...I hope you can sell your coop...

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  36. I'm so sorry you had to give away your chickens. Too bad people are not more tolerant. At least your girls went to a friend and I assume you have visitation rights.

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  37. I am so sad to read this post, all your hard work and $$ to make that beautiful coop and run for them, I am sure it was kept meticulously, why don't old cranky people go to senior living where they belong! Yes, I am really ticked off by this. I am going to visit their new home ;( xo

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  38. Oh, I am so sad for you...I love chickens and as long as there's not a rooster crowing, why would anyone complain? I actually like the sound of a rooster crowing and chickens clucking...go figure people. Maybe someday you'll be able to have them again...

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  39. Elaine, I was just telling Patty your blog was an inspiration for me to convince my husband, to buy me some chickens. My son bought them for mother's day and they are so fun to watch. To everything there is a season...thank you for sharing yours...

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  40. I am shocked, I am saddened and I am mad that a neighbor would do that to you. I am so sorry Elaine, I know you loved those chickens and God knows you took good care of them.

    Love & smiles,

    Debbie

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  41. I know how you feel that happened to me also and I was so sad. Dottie

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  42. I don't get it. Unless you have a rooster which you don't..doesn't your neighborhood have dogs? Dogs bark at all times of the day and night. Kids? In the summer kids are out biking, skating etc. My neighborhood has noise from life in general...and if yours does as well I cannot figure out what the problem would be! ?

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  43. They were Hens for goodness sake -- not roosters that crowed!! Some people are so miserable that they find happiness in making others miserable...I will pray for your neighbor...and am so sad for you...but so thankful that you were able to quickly find them another loving home.

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  44. Sorry that you had to give up your chicks.I guess the cranky person didn't get enough eggs.Hope you will get them back one day.

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  45. Wow! That is really sad. Maybe some free eggs would of helped him. But maybe not, ya never know with some people. So sorry! -Susie

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  46. I'm so sorry about your chicks I know is legal in So California I sow the E News that in Beverly Hills
    Lot of people raising chicks, some time cranky person don't get enough
    and they has to be miserable to other person
    but one day he going to need your help.Maybe someday you'll be able to have them again
    Blessing
    Isora
    :-(
    XOX

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  47. So sorry to hear that having one cranky person in the neighborhood could force you to lose something you care about! Happy that the chicks still have a good home though.

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  48. I am SO sorry, Elaine. That is horrible. I went to Simply and read your friend's post. What I don't understand is that if your town permits people to have hens, then why did you have to get rid of yours? If he didn't like what little noise they made, then too bad for him! What does he do when neighborhood dogs bark?!

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  49. Oops, I meant Simplify, not Simply. :-)

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  50. What???? Is that legal?
    I'm with Nancy, egg him but don't through. Give him some fresh eggs.

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  51. It's one thing to have a rooster that crows a lot, but a couple of chickens that make very little noise, that is beyond ridiculous! Sorry for you having to give them up!

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  52. I am sorry to know this news. I hope your chickens will definitely find a new home and adjust there.
    Cheer up!

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  53. I am so sad to hear this news.. I would hate to have to give up our girls. Our Neighbours just love our chooks and don't even mind if they go over for a little scratch in their garden.

    There sure are some mean small minded people around.

    Our Neighbours have their house on the market, we're so hoping our new Neighbours will be chicken friendly.

    Linda
    Taupo
    New zealand

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  54. That so completely sucks! Chickens are at every home all around us here although I don't own my own they are fun to watch.

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  55. I am so sorry. I know how much you love your chickens. We are grateful for our neighbours. They do not complain about our girls.

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  56. OMG, Elaine, I am so so sorry. I know how you love them and the kids too. Mean ole man!!! he'll get his due in Chicken Hell! I cannot believe I missed this, I'm heart broken for you. Hugs

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  57. Crazy neighbors!!! In the posh area of Dallas, backyard chickens and coops are the hottest thing right now (excluding the weather). In fact, there are several Coop Tours during the spring. North Haven Gardens (a great garden center) offers classes in backyard chickens and even sells coops! The Dallas Morning News even has a columnist that writes about her chickens every Thursday. So sad some folks can't leave well enough alone.

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  58. I am so sorry! I went over and read the post about your girls settling in to their new home. Makes me want to cry, but I am glad you found such a great new home for them.

    Hugs,

    Holly

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  59. This post makes me sad. I always wanted chickens, but in our city they are not allowed. Historically, my street was an orchard, so technically, it was a farm at one time. To have a neighbor complain would infuriate me and mine would do so also. I am glad when I got to the end of the post, the chickens did not become chicken dumplings.

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  60. I'm so sorry to read that news. One of my neighbours called the police once to complain that my cats were crossing the street... Some people just have too much free time on their hands!

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  61. So sorry about the chickens. That was not very nice of your cranky neighbor. Glad you found them a good home though.

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  62. Oh, no, Elaine. So sorry to read this! I'm sad for y'all. Why can't neighbors be kind? We have crazy town living next door to us.

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  63. Just found your nice blog. I am saddened that you gave up your chickens. After following your post to the gal you gave them to I see that chickens are legal in your area. I know it is your choice but if they are legal you have every single right to have them and at some point the old man most likely will pipe down. Sad he wastes tax payers money on calling the police over nothing. As a country dweller and hm owner myself on acreage, what is most irritating is brazing people who choose to allow their dogs to be off leash and not confined. Not only is it annoying that these type of dog owners think their neighbors land is their back yard - I never see these type of dog owners come around to pick up the piles of poop their at large dogs leave at neighbors homes. Rude, inconsiderate and irresponsible as well as illegal. And, I own 6 dogs that I keep quiet even in the country and also confined due to common sense and respect.Just because you live in the country it it does not mean it is an off leash dog park. Chickens,,, they are a different story and especially since you are not free ranging them on the old mans property, he has a loosing battle should you become a chicken mom again which I encourage you to do.

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