I had pet chickens as a child in the 70's before all the town rules, my father built a chicken coop uncomfortably close to my parents bedroom and my mom hated to be woken up. She had grown up on a farm, though so was familiar with the problem. She just built a small chicken house with a lid that could be closed every night and then the chickens did not get up and crow until she or I let them out. It was a simple box like affair, open on one side with a simple plank like lid. It was my job to go out and make sure the lid was on before going to bed at night and let them out in the morning. And there was hell to pay if I forgot! We had the chickens for years, and for various reasons had more roosters than hens all the time. They were Chinese Silkies and I had one that was a particular pet named "Feathered Friend" who won 1st prize in the annual pet parade at Christmas. He was quite tame and probably won because he stayed in the doll buggy when I wheeled him down the street without being secured. He rode in the doll buggy a lot, since I had him from a tiny chick. Also he was a really beautiful and unusual looking bird, not often seen at the time. I just read a link the other day that recommended caponizing male chickens because they are useful for brooding hatchery or incubator chicks as well as less crowing and aggression. I will try to find it again and repost it here. I know a lot of people want to keep their pet chicken that turned out to be a rooster, just like I did. And these days, you can get a coop door that will automaticly open at a preset time, if you want to go with the chicken house approach.
