How Much Noise DO Hens Make?

[Guavacoop]

We're considering getting chickens in our urban backyard. Since the coop and run would be under our bedroom (2 stories right above it), and very close to our neighbors, we're wondering what volume we're talking about in the early morning for 2-3 chickens. We need to bring up the idea with our neighbors, but I don't know how to even present the noise issue. How would you guys?

Also, what about smell? If we clean up every week, will our neighbors smell them? They have a deck above and about 15 feet over from the run area, although there's a nice lush guava tree in between.

Thanks,
GC

 

[Southern28Chick]

I have 24 chickens so the noise and smell mine make would be different from 2 or 3. I don't think (and this is a guess) that 2 or 3 chickens would make to much noise. Just don't get a rooster.

 

[speckledhen]

Depends on the chicken. One or two of my original flock of ten would wake the dead with their cackling. I decided what the heck? A rooster wouldn't be any louder than my hens when they do the "Cackle Chorus", LOL. Have three roosters. Can't guarantee anything, even by getting a breed that is known for being quiet. They are individuals, just like people. And if you clean normally, they won't smell that many chickens. I'd go nuts if I had to live that close to people!

 

[aran]

im with you speckledhen...after living in the countryside now I could never go back to urban living thats for sure. My chickens dont smell at all...honestly I have not noticed any smell of any kind. I do have to get in and clean out the coop this weekend but not because it smells, just because I havnt done it for almost a month.

 

[Whirlwind]

I am with speckled hen also on the neighbors. I had 3 golden comets not noisy at all. Got 4 BR's and man can those girls make some noise. I got a 9 week old roo now. He can't possibly make anymore noise than they do. And I think he is already much more enjoyable to here. Also if you clean there pen when it needs it there should not be a problem with smell.