Need advice on how to get rid of our neighbours 'barnyard'

Orgazmo on 28/12/2013 - 09:04

We live in a residential area and our neighbours have decided it would be a great idea to build a large animal enclosure (running along the entire back fence and about a metre taller than the fence). The section of the fence where it is, is a small part of our yard so it feels like it's all in our yard.

They have chickens and a rooster in there amoung other things. It's an eyesore but the main issue is it's attracting birds that shit all down our fence (on our side only). We now for the first time ever have mice and/or rats running around in our roof. These people also have one of those dogs that barks non-stop when they aren't home. We are just waiting for the snakes to arrive and that will be the absolute final straw.

We love animals but this is getting ridiculous and won't do anything to hurt the animals, but I'm not sure how to approach them on this, we aren't exactly friendly with them, they pretty much keep to themselves. It would be great if they barnyard was removed entirely but I can't see that happening. Surely, it isn't allowed in the suburbs. If I contacted the council, the people would probably know it was us that reported them. We don't want any trouble and want to keep the peace but I'm just not sure how to get through to these inconsiderate people.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • grasstown on 28/12/2013 - 09:14
    +18

    That's really inconsiderate of them - to put it against the entire fence at the boundary - as far away from their house as possible. I personally wouldn't worry about them knowing it was me that contacted council. If I was putting up a barnyard, I would consider my neighbors.

    • drillvoice on 02/01/2014 - 14:35
      +2

      It's quite possible the neighbours have no idea how this is affecting the OP - "inconsiderate" seems a bit strong. It's pretty sensible to build a fenced enclosure against an existing wall because this reduces the number of walls needing to be built. And the neighbours could hardly be expected to know about shit on your fence or mice in your roof. Yes, they probably should have checked first, but maybe they thought they'd wait and see if anybody spoke to them afterwards.

      I think an anonymous letter is more likely to foster division and suspicion where a more open letter that lets them know your situation - without judgement - and perhaps offers some ideas for how things could be improved, could go a long way.

      • OzzyOzbourne on 03/01/2014 - 19:25
        +3

        what more proof does the OP need that these days, no one can be expected to consider how their actions could affect anyone else. We are all absolved of all responsibility, thought and courtesy. It's up to the person affected to put up with it or spend days trying to find out if there is a law to protect them and attempt to force the council or police to enforce that law, good luck with that, because they won't unless there's some easy money in it for them.

        Many people think it's much easier to live this way, not a thought or care for anyone else. There's only one way to deal with them and it's not by going to the authorities. The problem is, they are so engrained in this attitude and way of life, no matter what you do they won't change. They simply no longer know how to be decent.

        • donga100 on 03/01/2014 - 19:45

          There's only one way to deal with them and it's not by going to the authorities.

          Are you referring to this? https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/128624#comment-1772846

        • pookie on 04/01/2014 - 17:47
          +3

          I agree…. people have lost common decency and often no longer give a crap about the others their actions affect.

          ive had both my cars smashed by the same neighbours careless driving on two seperate occasions within 6 months..both p platers from the same family..both times they drove away thinking nobody saw them. But both times other neighbours witnessed it.

          society has gone to s%#t …

  • geoffardy on 28/12/2013 - 10:15
    +21

    Roosters aren't allowed to be kept in residential areas in most if not all city councils. You should give the council a call.

    • robotdad on 28/12/2013 - 14:47
      +5

      Some councils also have limitations as to numbers of birds and coup location within a property (in addition to a rooster ban), such that coups can not be located along a property boundary.

    • Miss Dior on 31/12/2013 - 10:27
      +5

      Geoffardy is right. Roosters aren't allowed. Even in semi-rural areas they are contentious. There are also (low) limits on chickens. Photograph and date record some evidence before reporting it if you can do so in a quiet time when there will not be a confrontation. The neighbours clearly aren't interested in how it affects you (otherwise why put it so close to your boundary and away from their home)so it is likely that talking will only result in confrontations that you wish to avoid. Councils do not require you to mediate this yourself, despite some of the advice posted below. Most Councils will keep your details private now to ensure the reporter's safety. They would only reveal your information in the event of serious action, say a court case. Try both a phone call to the Council and a written letter to ensure that your concerns are taken seriously. A word of caution, be prepared for this to take time to resolve - Councils can be extremely slow and good at passing the buck, so start sooner rather than later. Also follow up with Councillors to ensure that this gets a faster response. Their names will be on your local Council website. My experience is that most will be amenable to a phone call. Good luck.

    • r3volt on 02/01/2014 - 20:40
      -7

      Got any actual proof? There is actually nothing saying you cant have roosters in Brisbane if you can have hens. The whole "Cant have roosters" is a myth

  • sparkles on 28/12/2013 - 10:38

    Don't have too much advice on how to handle the neighbours but you can deal with the roof mice by throwing the little sachets of bait up there via the manhole. It works but you need to keep it up or they'll be back within a month or two. It will be the bird seed attracting the mices.

    • retiredfeline on 28/12/2013 - 11:09
      +28

      mices

      Even more than mice, huh? Hate those meeces to pieces.

    • Untameable on 30/12/2013 - 16:46

      Doesn't that lead to dead mice though? Apparently if a mouse dies on your walls the smell of it decomposing can be horrendous and last for months.

      • alizzan on 30/12/2013 - 17:42
        +3

        I doubt that, considering the size of the mouse. Possum, maybe, but not months (I've had a dead possum in the roof and it didn't stink that long). And I think a lot of poison works by making the mouse dehydrated so they go outside to find water, then die there.

        • cookie2 on 01/01/2014 - 21:27

          I had one in the roof once…stench for a month and woke up one morning with hundreds of maggots falling onto my bedroom floor from the vent. trust me, dont kill them in the roof.

        • duchy on 02/01/2014 - 12:45

          Must be karma. :)

        • pookie on 13/01/2014 - 23:30

          Throw a cat up there ;)

      • ozgriff on 01/01/2014 - 16:42

        Yes, this happened to our previous place, where there was a rat problem at the time.

        Plenty of different wax baits and on two occasions the smell in my office was horrendous and lasted for weeks. Doesn't have to happen, but I can guarantee it's possible.

        btw. plenty of strong incense, scented oils and candles go along way if this happens.

    • Lucky13 on 31/12/2013 - 08:08

      My brother recently had a mice problem and they werent vaguely interested in the mice bait they did like the mouse trap and cheese though worked straight away. So if the bait doesnt work try this

  • Orgazmo on 28/12/2013 - 11:28
    +4

    Yeah the rat sack is working…only now our guests enjoy the odour of rotting carcases in our home when they visit.

    • robotdad on 28/12/2013 - 14:49
      +3

      Watch out for secondary poisoning if you have cats or dogs that are likely to eat a slow moving/dead poisoned mouse/rat.

      • Orgazmo on 28/12/2013 - 14:53

        Only in the roof this is. Is there any harm to those living inside the house? We have ducted a/c

        • Geewhizz on 29/12/2013 - 07:02
          +1

          They will head for water, so there is little risk of them staying in your ceiling stinking, but you're not only risking the health of your own pets, but also any birds that might be inclined to eat them (the mice, not your pets. lol)

  • Chuckos on 28/12/2013 - 12:30
    +4

    Not seeing the problem in going over to your neighbours and politely stating your case, even if you don't know them?

    If that doesn't rectify your concerns than proceed to council. However make sure you don't have something they can complain about in regards to yourself, something you may think is fine may not have been to them.

    Alternatively, grab a few rubber toy snakes and place on the fence…

    • c0balt on 29/12/2013 - 23:53
      +3

      It's never advisable to contact neighbours directly in these circumstances.

      Always keep these things anonymous, it's the best way to keep the peace if and when any actions occur.

      • John Dough on 30/12/2013 - 09:34
        +6

        Not sure that's great advice… When dealing with these sort of disputes, the council will always ask you to contact the people in question and try and resolve the dispute before taking any action. (Unless there is illegal activity, whereby they can issue a notice to the owners to stop)

        They will then require you to keep a diary of the exact details of the problem with you. You will need to record the hours of the day that the dogs bark, and roosters crow. You will need to justify to the council that they are causing you harm - i.e loss of sleep. There are laws to protect people from noise pollution and they have evolved over time to be pretty good. The old days where you can only report say a noisy party after midnight are long gone, you can report excess noise any time of day and night.

        I would record all activity in diary format, then approach the people in question after you have justifiable concerns recorded - they may be quite sympathetic to your concerns and work with you to mediate.

        If not, report them to the council in the hopes that they help you. I have heard these sort of things going to VCAT in the end and getting quite messy. Moving house may be an easier option sometimes!!

        Best of luck.

        (Source: my wife works for our local council, and we have had noisy dog dealings in the past)

        • c0balt on 30/12/2013 - 10:40
          -5

          "I would record all activity in diary format, then approach the people in question after you have justifiable concerns recorded - they may be quite sympathetic to your concerns and work with you to mediate."

          Yes, they may also tell you to **** off and create further issues down the track. An articulated, symphetic yet firm anonymous letter in the mailbox should be the #1 priority. "As you may be aware, your conduct is affecting the ability for your neighbors to have peace and quite in their own homes at all hours of the day…please make steps to deal with our concerns or we may have to take the issue further and with haste."

          If what they are doing is against the law, or common decency, then keep things anonymous if you are not close/personal relationship with your neighbour. You don't want to be singled out by potentially violent persons.

          Your advice could potentially get people physically injured and it's horrible to hear that from someone so close to a council member.

        • John Dough on 30/12/2013 - 11:25

          Well that's your opinion, and an ill informed one at that IMO. Every council will expect you to try and work it out before they get involved. An anonymous letter will not work, and will be disregarded most of the time.

          Here is some examples of a few councils web pages and you may note that the first and foremost thing they have listed in nearly all cases is to try and resolve in a civil manner with the owner.

          There are many ways to deal with this situation, I am just making the OP aware of how the council will view it. Most pet owners will work with you to resolve the issues and may not even be aware that a problem exists until you speak to them. If you are polite and courteous the threat of physical violence against you is extremely unlikely.

          http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/animals-and-local-laws/proble…

          http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/live/report-local-issues/…

          http://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/services/general-issues/comp…

          https://www.portenf.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=227

        • bich.light on 31/12/2013 - 12:50

          Not sure if I completely agree with approaching the neighbours first unless advised to by the local council after calling them; however, if you do end up confronting them maybe you should consider sneaking a small inconspicuous audio recorder. So if things do end up getting violent and a bad result occurs, you have proof.

        • lplau on 01/01/2014 - 12:16
          +1

          Lol. Isn't this type of evidence inadmissable in court? You are breaking laws by secretly recording it without telling them.

        • cookie2 on 01/01/2014 - 21:33

          agree with you on that one.most ppl would laugh if they found out someone was keeping a diary of something that affected them, when it obviously doesn't affect them at all. don't get yourself in situations that increase ur risk and walking up to someones front door, showing them a diary of times and dates of noise etc, is more than likely going to lead to an aggressive response or at the least a horrible relationship from then on.

        • Jackson on 02/01/2014 - 00:12
          +2

          I don't think he meant you should take in the diary necessarily, just that you need to have that documented in case you end up needing to take it further

        • John Dough on 02/01/2014 - 13:28
          +2

          Yes Jackson, that's what I meant. The council will usually require it if you want them to get involved so that they have substantiated claims to put to the person in question, otherwise its just a he said, she said situation.

          As for illegal structures, if they have broken building code or council bylaws, the council will be able to fine them and/or order the removal. I promise the good people of Ozbargain, the council will not want to get involved unless you have exhausted all civil options to resolve if no actual laws have been broken.

      • outlander on 01/01/2014 - 12:36
        +1

        A false peace. Be honest, its a way to try and do what you want while remaining anonymous to avoid responsibility. It might protect you from a punch in the head if your neighbours are drug dealing paranoid freaks jacked up on steroids, but most normal people prefer to be contacted first in a non hostile manner so they have a chance to argue their side.

        This is all something I will go through at some point as I want to have chickens in my backyard, so I can empathize with both sides. There are plenty of solutions here without getting rid the chickens entirely. I'm just saying, I consider myself to be fairly reasonable, but if somebody sends me an anonymous note they better attach it to a brick, because I find the whole thing closer to a threat than an opportunity to discuss and compromise.

        One little piece of humor here, is that the desire to avoid confronting them about it, probably comes from the same mental place as their decision to not talk to you about it before they put it up, which is whats causing you problems now.

  • Bystander on 28/12/2013 - 19:10
    +4

    Maybe worthwhile talking to the other surrounding neighbours and see what they think. They might have their own suggestions or otherwise a group approach to council might carry more weight.

    • c0balt on 29/12/2013 - 23:54
      +1

      Only if it's a close knit community. If you don't know the relationship between neighbours then it's a bad idea. If you talk and then one day another neighbour burns the barn down, you turn into the #1 suspect.

  • boonanza on 28/12/2013 - 22:15
    +2

    You need a Fox to pay them a visit…

    • diddy50 on 30/12/2013 - 22:51
      +12

      What does the fox say?

      • Gina Rinehart on 30/12/2013 - 23:03
        +12

        Please no.

      • Jackson on 02/01/2014 - 00:14
        -1

        Is that a gun in your pocket…?

  • wukachuka on 28/12/2013 - 23:57
    +4

    Phone the council and find out what they say they can do about it for you.
    Let the council deal with it and they won't know for certain who complained…

  • MITM on 29/12/2013 - 00:22
    +59

    2.8m high structure would need a building permit and be situated 2.5m from boundary fence for fire safety. Roofing would require plumbing to stormwater drain.
    I'd say it would be illegally built.
    Are they renters ? If so, do a property search and talk to the owner. Owners want happy neighbors.
    Call the RSPCA and suggest you think you may suspect cruelty.
    Attack from all angles.

    Place 2 nails at each end of your fence and attach string/fishing line that prevents birds sitting of the fence.

    Take photos to document damage.
    photograph the rooster.
    Count the chickens, there will be limits.

    Good luck.

    • [Deactivated] on 29/12/2013 - 22:02

      Best so far

    • Forgot69 on 31/12/2013 - 11:14

      Gerry would call you a "professional" MITM! ;)

    • Christn on 01/01/2014 - 15:20
      +9

      Count the chickens, there will be limits.

      Don't count them until they hatch though.

    • Jackson on 02/01/2014 - 00:21
      +1

      Very logical answer, especially if you're preferred solution is to force them to remove it all together, however do be prepared to live next door to people who may hate you. I think approaching them first in a nice way is always the best policy.

      Also keep in mind if they make all the necessary amendments to be legit and it doesn't remove any of your problems then you are stuck with them for life, because they certainly won't help you afterwards. Best to find out exactly what council can force them to do, and if you don't think it will solve the problems you will have to engage them in a nice way.

  • anna10 on 29/12/2013 - 10:05

    I would ask the council on the regs even if at this stage you don't tell them yr name etc. Re the rotting dead rodents, I used the stuff that you put in fish tanks called activated carbon. It was sold at Big W and is a wonder at absorbing bad smells. One of the dead rats fell down between the walls and the room had to be vacated.
    My neighbours had an aviary on one side, and there were chooks + roster 2 doors the other way.

    I put the activated carbon on a plate and the smell dissipated within a day or so. It can be bought on line.

    • Janko on 30/12/2013 - 09:50
      +4

      Chemists sell it as well, but be forewarned: I asked a young sales assistant for it (wanted it for teeth whitening), she got it off the shelf for me and in big letters on the box it said 'for flatulence'.

      • iseenya on 30/12/2013 - 17:09
        +3

        If that's what you want, baked beans are a lot more palatable.

  • anna10 on 29/12/2013 - 11:42

    PS re RATS, You do not want to let rats get entrenched as you won't get any sleep otherwise as you listen to them chewing yr wiring.

    The pest exterminator told me to carpet bomb the ceiling and under house w' those waxy 2-3cm square cubes of rat killer. I do that and have had no more probs. Rats are real smart though so put gloves on so they can't smell you as you throw it to the four corners. Also, check it each week to make sure they have not 'moved' it as it will need replenishing. They may ignore it for a few days as a new thing in their environment, but then they will start to eat it.

    After a while, just check it once a month, esp as rats move in when it gets cold. Don't leave water out for them to drink when they go out looking as the chemicals takes effect, they will almost always die outside…

  • JediJan on 29/12/2013 - 14:01
    +1

    I think you will have to check with your Council regarding their bylaws; most have outlines regarding the keeping of farm animals in suburban areas. They would give the owners ample time to relocate the chickens. You could give your neighbours a hint by telling them their dog is barking non-stop. because of all the mice and rats about caused by their chickens. Who knows; perhaps they really don't know about this. Don't forget "ignorance of the law is no excuse" and this applies to everyone. Your rat problem will simply be ongoing unless those chooks go. My mother had the same problem but put up with a chicken enclosure against her back fence. Oddly enough it was them that complained when we took a tree down that apparently offered the chooks some shade. They finally gave up on the chooks after a few years. At least they didn't have any roosters; that is simply too much! On a Bali holiday years ago we had a local rooster insisting that everyone awoke at 4am; that is not funny!

    In the outer suburban area I live in many owners are complaining about the foxes moving in; not only do they take the rodents but have been seen making off with the local domesticated pets. The foxes must be having a field day with all the rodents about these days.

    The cane farmers were encouraged to cut back on the baiting as, apart from it being fairly ineffective, it was damaging to the environment as it also killed off the native prey animals. They found that owls took more rodents overall than any expensive baiting could accomplish, so they did set about creating nest sites for the birds and (many) quit the expensive baiting. Makes good ecosense if you could accomplish something similar … encourage the owls to move back in.

  • Kevan2 on 29/12/2013 - 15:47
    -2

    All good above. Lets Reinstate

    1. Use non return bates, such as ………………… Really you do not want to kill some childs pet, carer dog, aged person companion. Rodents may die anywhere Crows and other birds will fly off with them. You will never know where the fallout will be.

    2. If you and neighbour could get on maybe share the eggs. I have 6+ eggs in out coup.

    3. Each council bi-laws will be on their website. Know the rules before you ring up. I would talk to the local council member for advice not lodge a complaint apart from the rooster. NOW be sure it is a rooster. One of my Australorp hen is growing spikes on her feet, she getting half a crop/crown and sorta crows. Not an unusual chook medical complaint. One of the wild bantams across the road are doing the same. I live in a Brisbane suburb [6k from cbc].

    4. last of all if it goes you may find the yard boring. You will also miss the free fertilizer as you hose back fence. Grow pumpkins, cokos, grapes over the fence. Free food.

    goodluck

  • anntip on 29/12/2013 - 16:40

    What suburb are you in?

  • [Deactivated] on 29/12/2013 - 17:51

    I'd try some sneaky warfare first (for the entertainment value at least). For example, most chickens are easily turned off laying. I doubt they'd keep them if they didn't get any eggs out of them. Do a search online to see what kind of things scare chickens. I vaguely remember something about CDs on fishing line spinning in the sun?

    • JediJan on 29/12/2013 - 18:21

      Haha .. Mum tried that trick to scare the birds and possums away from her fruit trees. It simply just didn't work for her, but the effect was quite aesthetically pleasing. Perhaps chooks are a less hardier type of feathered friend though!

      The egg shells may come in handy though. Apparently you place upturned shell bits on sticks near your prize vegies and supposedly it scares the white (female) butterflies away.

      • anna10 on 30/12/2013 - 12:44

        Rats love the bits in egg shells; bury them deep in the compost only unless you want even more rats.

  • goers on 29/12/2013 - 18:43
    +1

    Go hunting for Carpet snakes and let them loose at night, next door. Throw them on the chicken/bird coup!
    They will solve your problems.
    As for barking dogs, I know all about that one.
    I got 1 of these units from Barkstop or whatever thay are called, the one with a remote control and 120 dB.
    They state 90% of dogs can be trained to shut up.
    But not that mongrel blue heeler next door, couped up in a small yard when he needs 5 acres. Poor thing.
    So, I persevered, and finally, yes, the neighbours are now trained. They keep the dog inside. Hehe.
    It worked! I can sleep in peace. Yay.

    • JediJan on 01/01/2014 - 14:51

      Correct - Had an old red cattle dog that just used to bark for the sheer fun of it, no matter how much he was walked and exercised every day. Gave up on playing frisbee (although he would toss it and catch it himself to tease you into playing also) with him (I am sure he was very disappointed with me for that) as I was worried about his acrobatic/aerobatic skills causing an injury when he was older. These dogs simply do not know when to stop, takes a very determined person to adopt one as they require lots of mental stimulation as well as the exercise.

      Yes, of course he slept indoors every night! Makes senses really; who worries about what is happening outside (your cars should be insured) when you are asleep, your main concerns are for your lives and contents (house). That old dog took it upon himself to be on sentry duty, patrolling the house every night … and slept most of the day. He turned into a "hearing dog" for deaf mother as he would run amok when the phone rang until she answered it. Best dog in the World; he was worth his weight (ample too) in gold and more. Never bit anyone but scared the bejeevers out of a prospective burglar, but also anyone he decided to have some fun with (that didn't know him). These were the days before "barkstop" was invented. He was very well trained though; did not stop barking at a door knocker until he was given the magic word. Lived a very happy and well loved life.

  • Scrooge McDuck on 29/12/2013 - 19:15
    +20

    For $1500 I could have the problem fixed up for you in one evening.

    • arsenal1 on 29/12/2013 - 21:36
      +28

      I'll do it for half the price and throw in a Nice Chicken Korma.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 29/12/2013 - 23:34
        +5

        Find Me A Bargain > Pest Extermination

  • fusion17 on 29/12/2013 - 20:39
    +2

    I'd call up the council first and find out your rights, and the rules on how many animals/pets they can keep etc. Then id either speak to the neighbors in person, or write a letter and leave it in the mailbox. Mention the things you have a right to complain about, and how its affecting you.

    Give it a week or 2 and see if they respond or change anything.

    I would now formally complain to the council.

    otherwise, $1500 to the dude above isn't too bad. Probably your only anonymous option.

  • anna10 on 30/12/2013 - 12:43
    +1

    If a Currawong or other big bird finds a dead rat they start eating it as I've seen then do a number if times.

    Birds are mostly territorial, and you will get to know them if you observe them and memorise their markings. I know well exactly which birds are residing in my trees and they are raising young all the time, she has a slightly drooped wing. If you had rats in the ceiling chewing and who knows what else, you'd be carpet bombing too.

  • tonka on 30/12/2013 - 13:17
    +6

    How come the comments suggesting a compromise and communication are downvoted where the comments suggesting anonymous attacks and distruction are upvoted.

    I woulda thought the average ozbargainer was cool with the concept of free eggs. Just gotta work with the neigbour to make it pain free.

    • hOrny on 31/12/2013 - 10:19
      +3

      No amount of free eggs is with dealing with rats when previously OP didn't have any in his/her home.

      • tonka on 31/12/2013 - 13:31
        +1

        Which is why improvement is needed, as I indicated by saying 'working to make pain free'.

    • donga100 on 01/01/2014 - 16:36

      Anonymous attacks and distruction are more exciting than compromise and communication.

    • strangeloops66 on 02/01/2014 - 00:55
      +2

      I distrust destruction. While I'm at it, it would be a real coup to see "coop" (as in chicken) spelt correctly.

      • JediJan on 02/01/2014 - 02:49

        I agree, but tossed the error for the vernacular meaning myself as it seemed quite appropriate in the current circumstances. Yes, I agree that the discussion may be a tad unfriendly towards said "chooks" (chickens … sorry, but I had overseas relatives who didn't know what "chooks" were). I do feel for the chap having to put up with a rooster crowing pre-dawn though … Someone perhaps could offer a pleasant home for him, somewhere in the middle of nowhere, where he can crow to his heart's delight. :o)

  • anna10 on 30/12/2013 - 13:32

    I agree a friendly discussion and compromise is the way to go - always if possible. Good luck w' that when they have obviously invested quite a lot in building the coop already. Let us know how it goes.

  • kidcudi on 30/12/2013 - 18:25

    I advise an outlaw motorcycle gang to visit them i.e. sons of anarchy

    • No ONE on 30/12/2013 - 22:35

      Stop trolling…

  • MrDixit on 30/12/2013 - 20:39
    +1

    have a cup of tea with your neighbor. Not everyone is a psycho except peeps on ozbargain who tell you to do a range of defensive, dangerous and sometimes illegal stuff that are guaranteed to start a long horrible neighborhood dispute.

    • cannedhams on 31/12/2013 - 15:00

      You get a vote from me. As a lawyer, the amount of time, bile and money spent on toxic neighbourhood disputes amazes me.

      The Bark Stop products do work. You get a 60 day free trial as well I think. Worth doing as barking dogs, admittedly, do shit me. Use baits for the rats as others have suggested.

      Re birds shitting in your yard, honestly, it wouldnt bug me that much.

      Whatever you can do without bugging the neighbours is worth a try, I think.

  • OzJD on 30/12/2013 - 22:48
    +27

    I'd definitely have a chat with the neighbour. Many of my neighbours found me intimidating until they 'met' me, I'm a big bloke with facial piercing and tattoo's. Now the older ladies hardly ever walk past without stopping to say hello.

    The only complaints I've ever had, are about my music (I have some really strong subwoofers)… When they've asked me to turn it down, I've apologised and done so.
    With that said, if someone called the police etc without speaking to me first I'd just be pissed off.

    They might say to 'profanity off', but it's very unlikely. I'd go with the 'I'm having a lot of problems sleeping' rather than 'Your chook is too loud'.

    I also spoke to a neighbour at my previous place of residence about his dog barking constantly.
    He told me that the dog went a bit funny after the previous residents (of where I was) - They would get stoned outside and throw bricks at the dogs. He also told me he was sorry and that he had tried everything to shut it up! We became good friends after that, and I started to tolerate the dog (as it was now a mate's dog, I knew why, and that they'd taken reasonable steps to try and prevent it rather than just being negligent). Bonus effect that my neighbour started trying more alternatives to keep the dog quiet, such as taking it inside at night.

    Give it a go! You might end up with free eggs.

    • tonka on 30/12/2013 - 23:24
      +2

      Great story.

      • [Deactivated] on 31/12/2013 - 12:49
        +2

        Pray to him so the chicks lay more eggs. Win win.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 31/12/2013 - 14:00
        +2

        Amazingly disappointed!

        • Scrooge McDuck on 01/01/2014 - 11:55
          +2

          Prove it to us here then…

        • May4th on 01/01/2014 - 12:01
          +2

          the same argument could be made for aliens. or scientology

        • kwaker on 01/01/2014 - 13:04
          -7

          You have no right to attack a persons religious beliefs.

        • c0balt on 01/01/2014 - 13:12
          +4

          No one's actually 'attacking' it though. Rather bringing the attention that he's delusional or trolling, and counter arguments to the whole existence thing, which isn't an attack as much as it is promoting rationality. Believe all you want, but to suggest prayer to fix the O.P.'s dilemma would make the majority of God believing folks to facepalm.

          In fact you can go to jail for taking that delusional belief to the extremes, like the parents of the terminally ill children who thought they could be cured through 'prayer' rather than a doctor.

          To suggest prayer as a valid response to dealing with this situation is delusional beyond the pale, or just sad trolling.

          I'm amazed that the posts aren't being hidden despite going well beyond the automatic hide for -5 (I believe) votes. It should have just finished with that.

        • May4th on 01/01/2014 - 13:34
          +3

          i'd say you would have every right to question the validity of one's beliefs when they bring it up in a non-constructive manner which does not contribute to helping the OP in any way aside from advancing one's own religious agenda

        • JepunK on 01/01/2014 - 14:58
          +6

          I tried praying for winning the powerball / lotto mega jackpots…didn't work though..

      • Conka on 02/01/2014 - 14:03

        Come on folks; attacking one for their system of belief is a bit much, don't you think? I suspect we'll get along better if we focus on the value not the values.

        The idea of the free smile can work wonders.

        BTW; I'm firmly in the evolutionism camp …

    • EnALup on 31/12/2013 - 16:01

      You are right in some sense, but it totally depends on the person you are going to deal with and the problem you are having. This might not go well with Bogans who just want problems with others.

      But I have found these days that people are more offended if you approach them directly about barking dogs or music sound or rubbish floating around or extra grown up grass. But these problems are such where others are not affected that much directly. solutions are simple like putting sound down or clean the backyard.
      Doing illegal construction or making animal enclosure is something completely different and needs different strategy than approaching directly as the neighbours won't just remove the construction and oblige you.

      Simple way can be put a letter in neighbour's mailbox and request politely and if the problem is solved, you can approach the person to say thanks and if they ignore move to next step by complaining to your council with photographs and proofs.

      In this case, most of the residents know the rules about construction and before setting up this,they knew it is not right.
      .

      • Brick50 on 31/12/2013 - 17:05
        +1

        yeah, But what bogan puts up a barnyard? Unless chickens shit out stockies for him to do burnouts on I don't think a bogan would have one.

        OP how old would your neighbours be?

      • cannedhams on 01/01/2014 - 00:38
        +4

        We have this one elderly neighbour who is a right pain in the arse when it comes to complaining. He complained to the Council about crows waking him up in the morning and fruit bats shitting on his car and was annoyed in both instances when the Council said that they were native animals and there was nothing that could be done. He has related this story to me several times.

        He has complained about the bogan family across the road because he thinks that their car is too much of a shitbox and is having an impact on property values. He even rang the police about this Chinese girl who is a lovely girl in the same apartments as us because she carries a fake Louis Vuitton handbag and he thinks that the police should "do something about it".

        He is starting to become a bit paranoid as well because he thinks that everyone is talking behind his back which is basically true because we all mention whenever we see each other what a miserable old bstrd he is and how we cross the road to avoid talking to him. Anyway, my point is that once you start bitching to Council about your neighbours it can easily come back and bite you on the arse.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 01/01/2014 - 11:58
          +4

          "she carries a fake Louis Vuitton handbag and he thinks that the police should "do something about it""

          LOL!

        • JediJan on 01/01/2014 - 15:11

          I had one of those neighbours .. she complained to Council about another neighbour's pooch that was consistently pooing on her lawn. Feeling sorry for her I used to sometimes clean up the mess just to help keep the peace. When the Council officer visited the offending neighbours, I received a visit from the pooch's owners (obviously drunk) blaming me! Oddly enough a total (female) stranger intervened, and just by her presence alone, helped him maintain some dignity. That the complainant did not (eventually) step up and say it was her making the complaints really peeved me, as I am not one to dob someone in. So much for "blessed are the peacemakers!" That is one possible negative reaction from complaining to Council; setting off a neighbourhood dispute. I did ring the Council to advise them (thank you) that their visit had somehow got me involved in it all, but of course there was nothing they would do. The complainer had taken photographs to show Council also … she was very determined.

          That neighbour still makes it a habit to complain about just about everything, but I have got to the point of just accepting she has a "problem" and I keep contact to a minimum. Still, it is hard not to feel sorry for them.

          Best thing to remember in these situations is they are unlikely to remain a problem forever; that all things do truly pass. In situation I mention above the dog finally died of old age, and the original complainant (and I) moved to different abodes.

          That rooster has got to go though! A compromise seems possible.

        • leiiv on 01/01/2014 - 16:19
          +1

          So did the police do something to the fake LV?

        • StewBalls on 01/01/2014 - 16:58
          -1

          So did the police do something to the fake LV?

          The fashion police sure as hell should!

        • Scrooge McDuck on 01/01/2014 - 18:36
          +2

          So did the police do something to the fake LV?

          They tasered it, OC sprayed it, shot it by mistake when meaning to taser it again, kneed it in the back, locked it in a cell without charge and forgot about it for 3 days over a long-weekend.

        • Speckled Jim on 21/01/2014 - 13:07

          Sounds like an Alan Jones/Ray Hadley listener.
          And caller.

  • Bystander on 31/12/2013 - 19:31
    +4

    So with all these suggestions I'm interested to hear what happens in the end.

    So, "Orgazmo", can you keep the thread updated?

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