Neighbour dilemma with chickens

[Splodgetastic]

Hi chicken keepers! I am not a chicken keeper but I can hear my neighbour’s chickens are outside and I think they are supposed to be inside. Best way of handling? I can’t actually see into the garden so I don’t know whether they have some wire / netting over the top.

Why do you think that they should be indoors?

Because of avian flu. A protection zone has been established across England: www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#latest-situation

My understanding is that they can be outside in a run if netted (we’ve done this)so would guess they have done the same .

Oh I’d not heard of that (my sister has chickens).

My neighbours have chickens, they covered the top of the run so they are not exposed
Maybe they have done the same if you cannot see into the garden?

Yes they just have to be cordoned off from wild birds. Don't create aggro between neighbours without being really sure of your facts!

Yes, perhaps they have netted it. I hope so.

I don't understand why you feel this is a dilemma and need to 'handle' it?

They have to have a cover over the roof - we put tarp over our run, it maybe worth saying to them had they realised about bird flu and covering the run / not keeping outside incase they didn't notice the regs.

I do love the idea of moving the chickens into your living room. 😆

I suspect most people will go with the netting over the run approach though. I'm sure your neighbor's chickens are fine

As long as they have netted them so wild birds cannot access their space they are within the rules. Are you concerned because you have birds yourself and worry if theirs contract Avian Influenza yours would have to be culled? If so, then it is fine to ask the question. If you are concerned about public health then please don't worry, it is highly unlikely that this strain is not zoonotic.

I think its supposed to be a cover without gaps.

That came out wrong with the double negative - it is highly unlikely that this strain is zoonotic!

When I saw it said you have to move chickens inside I thought that could be interesting as we have a cat and indoor rabbit inside already but inside just means at least in a covered run.

Our neighbour who also can't see our garden but loves our chickens sent a message to say had we seen - we had already but it was nice to know she loves our silkies.

My neighbours have put netting up but the chickens still escape and mess up my garden anyway.
It was sweet/amusing the first 30 times or so, now it is less so as they are in my garden most day.