Are Crow Collars Abusive?

[QueenAvis]

Hi everybody,
I am planning on getting chicks in April and I REALLY want a rooster.
1) because they are gorgeous
2) I need a good lookout since I have seen hawks and eagles around here
3) I want to breed my own chicks
Buuuuuut I have nearby neighbors. As I do not want to disturb them I thought of buying a Crow Collar. I read they hinder the rooster's ability to crow but do not irritate or hurt them in any way? Since roos were created to crow and the information might be wrong I'm asking you chicken experts what you think
~Avis North ~

 

[m1chelle1]

Hello Avis,

Ive used them before in the past, due to being in a residential area, too. You really get mixed results with them and it is tough to tell if the collar will "work" for any particular rooster. Ive had some that it helped keep the crowing down to minimum, ive had some where it just lessened the "noise" coming from the rooster. And i have read that some people report it not working at ALL......im not honestly sure id recommend having a rooster if you are concerned about the neighbors being that upset, because there is always a possibility that they will be annoyed anyway if the collar does not work for you.
But, you can definitely give it a try. Boy are my favorite.
As for "cruel". Ive never been cruel to animals IMHO and these crow collars, when used properly, do not hurt nor harm the rooster in any way. And should not, when used properly

Good Luck!!

M

 

[Shadrach]

Hi everybody,
I am planning on getting chicks in April and I REALLY want a rooster.
1) because they are gorgeous
2) I need a good lookout since I have seen hawks and eagles around here
3) I want to breed my own chicks
Buuuuuut I have nearby neighbors. As I do not want to disturb them I thought of buying a Crow Collar. I read they hinder the rooster's ability to crow but do not irritate or hurt them in any way? Since roos were created to crow and the information might be wrong I'm asking you chicken experts what you think
~Avis North ~

Yes they are cruel because they are designed to prevent natural activity imo.
Whether they harm the rooster or not is another issue. There are many forms of cruelty that don't involve any physical harm.

 

[Pork Pie]

You will find many threads on the topic - you could try using the BYC search function.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

If you live in a residential area and they permit roosters then you don’t need a collar. Most residential area do not allow roosters. The no crow collars are hit and miss with how they work. Best to not get a rooster if you’re concerned.

 

[Acre4Me]

First, are you allowed to have roosters in your yard, in your neighborhood? If not, try to change the rules before you purchase a male, or don’t get one.

If you can’t have roosters, you won’t need to be concerned with using a crow collar.

To hatch and raise chicks you can buy fertile eggs, but then you’ll have more males to deal with.

 

[wleigh1021]

I use them and do not find them cruel when used appropiately. I like these that I ordered from Austraila. https://www.cockcollars.com.au/home I haven't tried the one available from MPC due to cost. I do find the straight up velcro ones that aren't soft cause skin irritation.
I am on 3/4 acre property and had the same reservations as you about having a rooster even though I am legally allowed to. I haven't had the collar on in the past few months because my rooster was molting and it would've caused issues with the pin feathers in his neck. He is fortunately a late riser so in the morning he crows in the coop which isn't audible inside the house. When he crows outside it's usually in the afternoon so I don't feel bad for the neighbors....there's dogs barking, loud trucks that go by, construction sometimes, etc. so what's the big deal about a rooster crowing at that point. When I had a bunch of roosters they would have crowing competitions haha and it definitely helped keep down the racket.

 

[Brahmachicken240]

Yes they are cruel because they are designed to prevent natural activity imo.
Whether they harm the rooster or not is another issue. There are many forms of cruelty that don't involve any physical harm.

X2 totally agree.

 

[QueenAvis]

Thank you for all the replies everyone.........boy.....this is going to be a difficult decision.......

 

[m1chelle1]

Thank you for all the replies everyone.........boy.....this is going to be a difficult decision.......

Honestly, if you have even the slight inclination that these collars might be abusive or cruel, and cant utilize them with a clean conscience. Based off of your own feelings, i wouldnt recommend using them.