Hen singing even at dark

[shannon84]

I was just wondering if anyone else's hen "sings" a lot on the roost and at night I can hear her clear as day singing pretty loud. What's this mean and is it normal? Thanks.

 

[rebrascora]

Firstly, is she definitely a hen and not a cockerel? If you are not certain, post a photo of him/her.

If she is definitely female, is she singing the egg song or just chattering? Some hens can be quite vocal, but it is unusual to be noisy at night unless there is something upsetting them....predator perhaps or rats?

If she is an older hen, it does occasionally happen that they start to crow like a rooster and I believe it can be associated with reproductive problems and a resulting change in hormone levels.

They are the only things that spring to mind at the moment.

Regards

Barbara

 

[shannon84]

Firstly, is she definitely a hen and not a cockerel? If you are not certain, post a photo of him/her.

If she is definitely female, is she singing the egg song or just chattering? Some hens can be quite vocal, but it is unusual to be noisy at night unless there is something upsetting them....predator perhaps or rats?

If she is an older hen, it does occasionally happen that they start to crow like a rooster and I believe it can be associated with reproductive problems and a resulting change in hormone levels.

They are the only things that spring to mind at the moment.

Regards

Barbara

she's 3 or 4 I got her from my dad this past summer. She's a very vocal chicken, it's constant chatter. No rats or predators. I notice she does it like right before she goes to sleep. But she does it alot throughout the day. Thanks Barbara! She sounds happy with the chattering. I'm new with chickens and I just thought it was a little odd. Im scared she will draw in predators.

 

[rebrascora]

It sounds like she is just making sure everyone knows she is claiming her place on the roost. You obviously recognise that it is a "happy" chatter and not an alarm call, so I wouldn't be worried. If she was continuing through the night, that might be another matter. Just out of curiosity, what breed is she? I usually find that it is the "big personality" breeds that are the most vocal when it comes to hens.... my leghorns are usually very chatty.

 

[shannon84]

It sounds like she is just making sure everyone knows she is claiming her place on the roost. You obviously recognise that it is a "happy" chatter and not an alarm call, so I wouldn't be worried. If she was continuing through the night, that might be another matter. Just out of curiosity, what breed is she? I usually find that it is the "big personality" breeds that are the most vocal when it comes to hens.... my leghorns are usually very chatty. 

that's what I was thinking as well, because she is my dominant hen on top of peaking order for sure ha. She is a new Hampshire red. My other new hampshire red hen is so quiet.