Money Moral Dilemma: Should they pay for the chicken?

Gilliemac

If they are really a nuisance can't you just put a fence up between you to keep the chickens out ?
A small roll of netting wire is all that is required.
Seems the easy option to me and you can still be friends with the neighbours.

tallgirld

You shouldn't have to ask for compensation they should offer it. If not then just confiscate their chickens the next time they trespass in your garden. I am sure you could make use of them on a sunday ;-)

cloudypops

I agree with everything posted here.

As you have lovely neighbours, I would hope that they would be embarrassed that their chickens have ruined your garden, and should without prompting offer some kind of compensation. They have a very easy route they can take, ie free eggs for a while.

Whatever they do or don't offer though, it is now time for the chickens to be kept in their garden only. You do not want this to happen again, and to be honest as it has been happening for a while, this event could be used as a suitable time for you to be very reasonable and friendly, but adamant that you do not want their chickens in your garden ever again. We all have an expectation that we can do what we like in our gardens, and this is so both for your neighbour and for you.

To me it seems that you have been very tolerant for long enough.

wsheena

point it out one more time, then borrow someones dog for a few days.
they'll sort themselves out sharpish then!!

we_gone_bananas_2

I own chickens and a veggie patch. It is almost impossible to keep chickens, on the rare occasion, from escaping.
I have a wonderful relationship with my neighbours, both sides.
When my chickens have visited the neighbours I have ALWAYS offered to pay for any damage no matter how big or small, it's the least I can do.
My neighbours being very generous would never accept it. They often get free eggs when I have too many; a bottle of wine for feeding my hens when I'm away and free visiting rights for their grandchildren (who use the trampoline whenevr they want too.
Neighbourly relationships are a two way street, we all know whats right and should never wait to be reminded.. surely it is important to keep up good relationships with the neighbours, you never know when you will need each other!!

phil1reynolds

No they don't have to pay but you can eat the chickens instead

jjaxx

I'm sorry to say I would just eat the chicken end of story!!:rotfl:

ConfusedAgain

I'm with SilverCharming and NoNotNow on this one - compensation would be nice and is, with the exception of valuing something that has a degree of "could of" to it, rightfully due, I do feel it's missing the forest for the trees. You have a good relationship with your neighbours and, if you intend to stay in your current property (and they do to) for a number of years, surely maintaining that good relationship is more valuable to you than less than half a year's worth of produce?

This isn't the same as being a pushover - you should definitely make it clear to the neighbour the damage that has been caused. If they really are as nice as you say they are, this should cause them to get into gear. Like one or two others have said, maybe they just didn't realise the damage being caused by the chickens and sometimes people just don't know things unless you spell it out for them. (Also, is the chicken wire thing/protecting your vegetables yourself somehow an option? I'm a pretty clueless gardener and, whilst I do subscribe to the "Don't rock the boat if you don't need to" theory, I do also follow the "Trust noone" school of thought - If you desperately want something done in this world, you're much better off doing it yourself rather than trusting that somebody else will get round to it for you!).

Tricia_Mc

I keep chickens and I would not want them straying into other gardens as I can't protect them from the fox there. I would see it as my responsibility to secure the fences.
However, a chicken can squeeze through a tiny gap under the fence, it may not be easy to secure the boundaries. And chicken wire (or any type of fencing material) isn't particularly cheap, and may not be easy to fix in place.
But if next door's chickens (or dogs) kept coming into my garden and my neighbour was unable or unwilling to secure the fence, I would do it myself, just on pragmatic grounds, and I wouldn't fall out with the neighbour over it.
I give surplus eggs to my next door neighbours, I wouldn't dream of taking money for them. Maybe the neighbours are not that nice after all.
I wouldn't be eating the chickens, as they would be too old and tough. Not to mention that they probably have names and the owners may regard them as pets.

buggalugs

I have to say I agree with Irish Bowsy. I would not ask for compensation, however, I would let them know that the damage has been done, at the same time taking the opportunity( once more) to point out that their 'defences' need strengthening before you lose more crops.
If they are decent people they will shore up the fences and offer something in the way of compensation. For me just an honestly spoken SORRY on their part would make me feel better. Money is not the be all and end all, but I really do understand your frustration after lovingly tending your crops. I would have been heartbroken. I hope this gets sorted out amicably