funny noises at bedtime

[newbie2this]

So the chicks are almost fully feathered and we have moved them to their coop and run. We kept them in the coop for several days and then let them have access to the run. They have started putting themselves up for the night at nightfall ( as of yesterday ) and tonight when we went to shut the door to their coop they were making a ton of noise. It didn't sound like unhappy noose, and about 20 minutes later when I went to check on them the noise had subsided to sweet little baby chick peeps. Normal? Any ideas?

 

[LuvnMyChix]

Yep normal. The ton of noise they were making...was that at dusk? All my chicks have done that at dusk when it was still new for them to be outside (for the first few weeks). Then they get quiet when it's dark...survival instinct kicks in...they know to hush it up at night or somethin' might get 'em!

 

[azygous]

My chicks engage in "trilling" when they begin to harbor notions of hitting the hay. It's one of the most charming and beautiful sounds I've ever heard chickens make. It's a very high-pitched, yet soft singing, and even after they no longer chirp, they continue to trill at bedtime for several more weeks.

 

[newbie2this]

I'm so glad to know it's normal! Yes it was at dusk. I could tell by now that it wasn't an unhappy noise - but there was a good bit of noise being made.thanks all!

 

[Mitzzie]

So glad I read this. I was so worried that the chicks were stressed or something. After reading on here about crop problems and others things that can happen I seem to worry more. I learned a lot but sometimes too much info will drive you crazy.

 

[aliciajo23]

I have had this exact question about my Rhode Island Red we just put outside! Glad to read that it is normal - I was worried that maybe it was an attempt to crow...still worried she may be a he.

 

[Melissacoop]

My girls get so loud right before the sun goes down. They will come looking for me and peck on the glass window where we watch TV. They act like they want to go to bed. They usually put themselves to bed around 8pm and are just sitting on their roost when we go to shit the door. Just recently we added their nesting box to the side of the coop and cut the hole for them to go in and now they act like it’s something scary and haven’t been going to bed on their own. It’s only been a few days. But they started making some honking noises also. They are so spoiled and demanding already. If they want attention they let us know!