How to keep a Roo?

[Hayduke27]

Hello all! So I have a 5 week old chick that appears to be growing into a fine young man. I'm still narrowing down the breed, but it looks like a Welsummer. Anyway, back to the point at hand. I live in a small town, and live on Main Street. The rules in town, so far as chickens are concerned, are that you only get 1 noise complaint before you are forced to "fix the problem".

When I bought my chicks, I got a dozen hens, and the farmer threw in a 13th straight run for free. Wouldn't you know, it sure looks like a boy. Of course, I think he's just awesome and would really enjoying keeping him if I can. I have a big back yard a chicken run, and my chickens' coop is built into my garage. My question is this: Is there anything I can do to minimize the early morning noise he might start making? I think if I can keep the racket down in the mornings, I can get away with keeping him. There is a door between the run and the coop, and I shut them inside at night for their safety. Maybe if I keep the rooster in the coop until 8am in the mornings, his crowing will be muffled? (Haha, I just read that and saw how ridiculous it sounds...) Is there anything I can do to discourage early morning crowing?

I would love to keep this chicken, as he is turning into a beautiful bird. However, his destiny just might be the soup pot!

 

[Judy]

I'd ask my neighbors how they feel about it -- and possibly some eggs. If you lived next to me, I'd tell you that I love to hear a rooster crow, and if I want to sleep in, after the first couple of mornings, I would sleep right through it, so go for it!

 

[Hayduke27]

I had considered going around and putting flyers on my neighbors doors with my contact info, explaining that I have a rooster, am feeling it out and trying to be noise conscious, and am happily willing to get rid of it immediately if it's an issue with anyone. Above all, I need to be a good neighbor.