4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Marvelous Margot]

I have a bit of a dilema - i've been home from work for the last three weeks and during the day I cant but help notice that our four girls are incredibly noisy. I'm not sure who are the culprits but they cluck and crow pretty constantly - it sounds like they are doing it for attention perhaps but it can be so loud!

 

Our set up is: four girls, one cube, extended run plus a 2.5sqm walk in run. They have loads of water, pellets, dry ground to dig aruond in, logs, bark chippings, perches, cd's hanging. Extra greens, veggies etc every day.

 

When we are at home, ie weekends, we keep them in until mid-day ish and then let them out to free range around the garden. When Im at work during the day, they get to come out when we come home.

 

I guess if we lived somewhere less built up, we would not be so worried, but we really dont want the neighbours to complain!

 

Does anyone else have noisy girls, or are we doing something wrong?

 

Any advice appreciated!

 

thank you

 

 

[Space Chick]

My girls can be quite vocal too, but I have asked the neighbours and they have only noticed them once (during a particularly loud 2 chook egg announcement) so I think we worry more.

 

Even if the neighbours do think they are noisy, they are far quieter than a barking dog, playing children, wild birds etc etc, and as they only make noise during daylight hours then I think its far enough

[Lydia]

It's possible they are noisy because you are there and they want to attract your attention. Mine certainly try that trick if they see or hear me in the house. There was a time when I raced out there every time they made a noise but that just made the situation worse so now I ignore them and, once they realise they're on to a loser, they soon quieten down.

 

If I spot them before they spot me there's no noise at all and they're all going just about their normal routine.

 

As Space Chick said I think we're all inclined to think the noise is worse than it actually is as well. Stop worrying, enjoy your hens.

[Patricia W]

I think chicken noise during the day is acceptable as it merges into other day time sounds. Many people like it. Ask your neighbours if you're worried

 

Tricia

[Redwing]

I have an astonishingly noisy chicken and a cockerel that crows and quacks the neighbours dont seem to mind but luckly we are an end terrace with fields to three sides

 

I agree with Lydia, they are probably trying to get your attention especially if they can see you in the house then they will shout to be let out and maybe even pace up and down for effect - they only have to glimpse you to start up

 

The funniest thing I ever read on here was when someone said they had mastered the art of tea making without going above the level of the worktop

[chick wiggle]

-

 

The funniest thing I ever read on here was when someone said they had mastered the art of tea making without going above the level of the worktop

 

That is so funny.

 

Like everyone else has said, I do think it always sounds louder to us than anyone else because we somehow develop an 'ear' for chicken noise. Im sure if you ask the neighbours they wouldnt be as worried about it as you are, especially if you go with the promise of fresh eggs

[Marvelous Margot]

Thank you all for your messages - im more at ease now! i guess its always seems worse when you are concious of something - others generally are oblivious!

[Hen Watch]

Thank you all for your messages - im more at ease now! i guess its always seems worse when you are concious of something - others generally are oblivious!

 

Definately true.

 

If my lot see me through the window they will start pacing and can get noisy.

 

My lot are not so noisy now, but in their first year with me I did get noisy egg announcements and noisy alarm calls. Now they are older and wiser and seem much less noisy that they once were.

[bevvy1]

My 3 girls definately make more noise if we go out into the garden, I even tiptoe when I'm hanging out my washing in case they see me and then they start crowing, I used to worry but when I hear the noise dogs make I don't worry about it so much.