Experiment in classical conditioning to make quieter chickens

[aubreynoramarie]

on a seperate note...may i enquire as to how you made your automatic door?

 

[Missy821]

Seriously, instead of soundproofing your coop and run, moving your chickens into a garage or under a deck, or talking to your neighbors, you are instead choosing to abuse your birds? I find this appalling, and I cannot believe you think this is some kind of scientific experiment. There are no controlled variables here--your chickens do not understand what's happening or why you're hurting them. Why do you have chickens in the first place? What is it that you hope to accomplish by raising your own birds and eggs? Does physical punishment for something they're not capable of reasoning out really work within the parameters of that?

This is what I think it is: 167.315. Animal abuse in the second degree, from the Oregon Cruelty to Animals Statutes.
(1) A person commits the crime of animal abuse in the second degree if, except as otherwise authorized by law, the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes physical injury to an animal.

 

[matimeo]

I appreciate those who have given helpful ideas and avoided self-righteousness. I don't see how this is any different than collars used to train digs not to bark, or declawing a cat, etc. etc. All measures taken by pet owners to accommodate animals only recently removed from their wild ancestors now placed in a totally different environment. Ive tried blacking out the coop, automatic door, soundproofing, etc. I think I've gone above and beyond. Fact is my chickens are entitled and I'm going to discourage negative behavior. And by the way we are going to use the water gun since that works just as well. And the bb gun I was using when pumped once is harmless. I can shoot myself on the bare skin and it only leaves a tiny sting. Its not like I was causing them physical harm as some have stated.

 

[koonaone]

Well first off, if you have a rooster yer kinda buggared because they go by their bioclock.

If it is just hens, try shutting down all light at midnight. NO cracks.

Auto BRIGHT lights on at 7am, anyone should be awake by then.

Unless a hen is passing an egg I know of no reason for them to be squaking in the night.

Well, unless some coon is messing with their throat or something.

 

[annep]

I dont think it will work, but keep us updated..I think you are really just putting too much time into this. For being so smart, they really are stupid..The only thing that's worked for me to keep them quiet is to throw them some scratch..shuts them up...
I just dont think they'll get it

 

[Mattemma]

I too worry about the nosie annoying my neighbors. I found that giving food/treats gets them to stop the noise.The roo on the other hand will just keep crowing once he has had a bit to eat. I am letting it go.The nosie is noise just like any other we hear on a daily basis.Shoot, I was just thinking I have to do something about the peep peep sound of house sparrows outside my window.Wakes me up and drives me insane.I bet most people like the sound.

Other thing I do is let the chickens out of the coop late(9-10am) AND move them to the far back yard for the day.Me, I will have to pass on the butt shooting.I like my neighbors,but not enough to shoot the chickens daily!

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

First, I'm surprized you admit it on line, but misuse of a firearm and animal cruelty - seriously, I may be new but the law is strict about weapons and guess what, stop shooting the chickens.
Second, birds will quiet down with blackout shades, you can try that, and also feed them well at night so they aren't starving when they wake up. Have food and water available when they wake up. They can be conditioned to an extent but you aren't going to do it by distracting them momentarily with pain. First, ask your neighbors if its a problem, maybe it's just your idea it might be a problem.

 

[Bat Cave Silkies]

shooting your chickens with a BB gun & a water gun??? unbelieveably cruel

rehome the chickens

 

[itom37]

Just an FYI, what you're describing is not negative reinforcement, as some have suggested. It's positive punishment: the introduction of an aversive stimulus (bb gun) in an attempt to reduce the frequency of a behavior (loud clucking).

 

[drumstick diva]

shock collars for noisey chickens?? Good grief. Even just thinking of one is off the charts.