Any way to keep them quiet until later in the morning?

[Oceanbaby]

We live in the suburbs, and have 3 hens. Since late spring, our hens have been squawking by 6am to be let out of their coop. It's irritating us, as it's waking us all up early, but I'm really concerned that my neighbors are going to start to complain. Unfortunately, it's not only letting them out. Dh got up and let them out at 6am this morning, and at 7am they were doing their really loud clucking routine.

Is there any way to keep them quieter longer in the morning? Darken the coop? I'd love any suggestions - I'm getting really stressed about our neighbors. Right now it's 7:30 on a Sunday morning, and they are being so loud!

 

[Ms.FuzzyButts]

Other than REALLY REALLY insulating the coop, I wouldn't have a clue. Maybe someone else knows a trick....

 

[Cindy in PA]

I really don't understand everyone who gets upset over chicken noises. I understand worrying about neighbors. Hens make noise at times! I found after having them awhile, that I don't even notice roosters crowing most of the time. It sure beats the traffic sounds on the State highway & the screaming kids and barking dogs behind me!

 

[Oceanbaby]

My main concern is the neighbors. We don't enjoy being woken up at 6am on a Sunday morning, but I can deal with it. What I really want to avoid is one of my neighbors getting upset.

 

[noodleroo]

If it really bothers you, you can install an automatic door. Ours has a light sensor; the door opens at daylight and closes at dark - works great!

 

[Mr.Bojangles]

Go to Lowes and buy some irrigation supplies. Rig up a couple sprinkler heads on a automatic valve with a time clock. Then set the clock to come on at 5:30 and cut off at 8 . They will think its raining and not be in a hurry to go outside. I also have this set to sprinkle during the hot of the day to kool the area..

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

hmmmmmm sounds like maybe you should't have chickens in your neighborhood, is that it?

 

[Turner]

I live in town,,,but on 300 acres. I have neighbors all around - some close. My rule is on the weekdays when most people go to work early I let them out at 11. Saturday and Sunday it is Noon. I want to keep my neighbors happy ( I do have a few Roosters too!). Good Luck!

 

[Oceanbaby]

Our neighbors know we have chickens and have been cool about it, but if they start getting woken up at 6am on a Sunday I don't think they're going to be too happy.

They are noisy in the coop even if we don't let them out. I could try the sprinkler - would darkening the coop help?

 

[cicene mete]

Quote:
I understand where you're coming from. The last thing you want to do is disturb your neighbors. Especially if there are kids where someone has health problems, waking them up can be a real issue. We never let our chickens out before nine. I have roosters, and I already told my neighbors that if they ever become a problem, we will get rid of them.

I would definitely try darkening the coop. From my chickens, if it's dark for six hours, they roost for six hours. If it's dark for 16 hours, they roost for 16 hours. The simple world of chickens.