What Size No Crow Rooster Collar Should I get?

kimberly35042 said:

x2 I know of a rooster that died wearing one. If you don't like crowing, don't have roosters.

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Monguire said:

Stress kills chickens. Collars are a form of stress. If one has not taken the time to observe normal behavior before introducing the collar and cannot monitor its effects for a goodly amount of time after introduction then I'm of the opinion that no-crow collars are horrible. It is a tool like any other tool. Improper use, inadequate monitoring or lack of experience can quickly cause injury or death.

That said, I've had a very positive experience with the collars on my two boys. I went with size Large both for my Buff Orp and my Black Australorp. The reasons for my positive experience are threefold:

1) Tempered expectations. I didn't want to eliminate crowing. They are cockerels...crowing is who they are. I just wanted to ratchet-down the volume...i.e., carrying-distance of their crows. Good fences make for good neighbors. So does consideration and respect for others' rights to enjoy their outside time as much as I do.

2) Observation. I know the habits of my cockerels better than they do. The pullets I pay slightly less attention to as well, let's face it, they just aren't as high-maintenance as the boys are. With the boys, I've found that they telegraph their intent through how they carry/express themselves. My flock is also under big-brother style monitoring while in the coop and run. They are covered by multiple HD cameras that probe every square inch of space available to them while they are there. If an event happens while I'm not watching, i have the luxury of rewinding this captured footage and witnessing the action/behavior that led up to the event.

3) Follow-up. Collars are not set-and-forget one-and-done tools. They require frequent monitoring. Between my Orwellian camera-setup and frequent physical visits to sit with and observe my flock, I am able to see the consequences of my actions/inactions more quickly than most. I have been able to tell within minutes the difference between the typical oh-I-really-hate-this-collar-and-I'm-gonna-peck-your-eyes-out-the-next-time-you-touch-me drama that goes on for five minutes after a routine inspection/adjustment of their collars from the the REAL distressed behavior that can occur when I ratchet it too far and it is literally choking them to death.

Bottom line...collars don't kill chickens all by themselves.

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