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Most breeds do not need a lot of space, and any garden or even a balcony is able to accommodate a few small chickens. If you keep their coop sufficiently clean and your chickens stay on your own premises, few neighbours will object to your hobby. Only when you do not clean your henhouse well will this attract flies and vermin, for which neighbours may quite rightly blame you. But most people like chickens as their scratching around creates a positive atmosphere. This may however take a very different turn if your neighbours are confronted with the crowing of one or more roosters. Although many people actually enjoy the sound, there are unfortunately also those who find that it gets on their nerves. That is why it is sensible to inquire beforehand whether your neighbours object to your keeping a cock. If you expect problems, it is better to just have hens, otherwise you might find yourself involved in a law suit and a neighbourhood quarrel. For that matter, hens also tend to cackle when laying an egg, or when startled by some noise or other. A chicken, whether cock or hen, is never entirely silent. (The Complete Encyclopedia Of Chickens by Esther Verhoef & Aad Rijs)