New hens not going into Eglu Go Up

[Bexibex]

I have four ex-bat hens that we have had for about 5 weeks now but I am starting to get really worried that the neighbours are going to complain as Abby has taken to crowing, incredibly loudly at various points throughout the night and from about 5am in the morning. We can hear her and our bedroom is around the other side of the house so it must be far worse for the neighbours. My OH is starting to get really annoyed as he doesn't sleep well at the best of times and now is being woken up by this crowing. Does anyone have any ideas why she is doing it? She does it every morning without fail and it is the same noise she made when she first met one of the cats (all of them started crowing then). In the mornings, I can't see what could be scaring them and if she is doing it through the night, then would putting a black out over the Eglu help? She sometimes makes the noise when one of the other girls is in the nest box and she wants to go in. I really don't know what to try and I'm so worried the neighbours will complain. She isn't top chook either.

[Sheilaz]

When mine did this at 5 am it was to tell me there was a fox stalking the perimeter of their Fort Knox pen, and a couple of Foxwatches have stopped it.

Occasionally they have joined in bird alarm calls, or we've had the nest box one too.

However, they've been quieter in general since the fox has gone, so that was the root of the cause here. I think the rest followed as it seems as if once one finds it's voice it progresses. Now I rarely have a noisy time.

The blackout is a good idea too, in case it's the light too.

Every sympathy, I hope it works out, let us know.

[amateurkeeper]

Yes I second the blackout sheet over the run/coop - I've not had this problem but I've seen a few other posts that have the same problem and it worked for them.

 

HTH.

[Patricia W]

We have used blackout material with great success. It is strange it is in the middle of the night though- that suggests an intruder. Maybe a cat? Don't know how likely foxes are where you are.

 

I would bring her in overnight and see what happens then.

 

Tricia

[Janty]

You may need to accept that she may need rehoming.

 

 

One of my ex-batts now lives with my in-laws. She started to grow really big wattles and comb after a moult and she even developed huge spurs. A friend brought 8 hens round for me to look after whilst she went away on holiday and He/She (originally called Tinsel) started to really crow. He/She now lives with her own group of girls and has embraced her lesbian lifestyle fully.

 

Bless her.

 

[C&T]

Do you close the Coop up at night? If not that might be worth a try as well, for the mornings at least. It does muffle any noise, and combine that with a blanket or something and fingers crossed she will be a bit quieter for longer!

 

It might take a couple of nights - but persevere for a few, letting them out when you are ready in the morning (ours are let out between 7-7.30 ish when they go through a noisy phase...)

[Mollie333]

Is she laying? Are you sure it isn't a

? As one of my girls lay at 5 each morning and announce it to the world.

[Roobaloo]

If it's the same noise she made when she saw a cat, it's more likely an alarm call. My girls had a run in with a new local cat and now shout at the top of their lungs whenever they see a cat.

 

If so, I agree that it could just be a passing cat or fox....both often have set routines, hence why it'll be the same time every day.

[Bexibex]

Hi

 

I close the door to the Eglu at night and there are no eggs in the morning so I don't think it is an egg song. This morning, she started at about 6am and I finally relented and let them out at 6.30am. She shut up as soon as she came out so I'm wondering whether it is just because she wants to get up? They are used to the cats now as we have three of our own and a dog but it could be a fox I suppose. We are going to try covering the Eglu tonight but how do other people do this? We have a run attached to the Eglu so we will not be able to hide the ventilation holes (obviously I wouldn't cover them so that ait could no longer get in). Do you have to get a cover big enough to go over the whole run? Sorry for all of the questions. I just really want her to settle down and not annoy the neighbours.

[Roobaloo]

I would start by going round and speaking to the closest neighbours and apologising, explain the situation and that you're trying to solve it. People are more understanding to a temporary annoyance than if they think it's permanent!!

 

Personally, I would buy a heavyweight tarp and sling it over the whole thing, run included, hold it down with bricks! If you're worried about air...then leave a gap either side of the eglu, so air can flow but light can't enter.

[Patricia W]

Mine used to start about then so yes, she probably does want to get up. I would ignore her if you can and open them up later - say after 7.30 if you can. By responding to her it just reinforces the behaviour.

 

Cover the coop to keep it dark and close the door. Then can you have a word with the neighbours and apologise for a bit of noise, as you are " training her". You might actually find they say they never hear her or they don't mind! Good luck.

 

Edit - we are all having the same idea for you!

[madchickenlady]

When one of mine started this last summer, I was convinced we had an intruder. e did. Not a cat, or a fox....a hedgehog Yep, Mr.Hog would wander past the run on his way through the garden, and Doris was most perturbed! We ended up having to shut them in until a decent time, but the first thing Doris did when allowed her freedom was to run over to the side of the run and peer along the 'hedgehog trail'

[migsy]

Is she laying? Are you sure it isn't a

? As one of my girls lay at 5 each morning and announce it to the world.

 

Mollie, one of mine makes that noise occasionally and it was that particular noise that made my next door neighbour ring Environmental Health (she is a nutter though). I'm glad to see that other chickens do it too.

[Bexibex]

An update for you all and a big thank you for your replies.

 

On Friday night we tried covering the whole of the Eglu and the run and this kept her quiet until 7.30am but once she starts, she doesn't stop until you let her out. So on Saturday night, I tried a different tactic - I left the door to the Eglu open and we didn't hear a peep out of them. I popped down at about 5.30am and they were all out happily pecking away in the run. I did the same last night and we had another good result.

 

I also followed your advice and went to the neighbours who said they hadn't heard a thing and any noise from the chickens would not bother them. I took some eggs round for them as well which they really appreciated. I feel so much happier now. Not sure what I will do when it starts to get colder and they need shutting in at night!

[Lavenders_Blue]

Don't worry, once it starts getting colder it will also be getting darker in the mornings so you are less likely to hear early morning shouts!

 

My girls do make a din on a nice sunny morning, but when it's dull and dark they are as quiet as mice