I have a really loud one

[Jayme]

I had to give up my little guy once I found out he was a roo in December an now I have Road Island Red that just started laying two weeks ago for the first time. Ever since she started laying eggs she has been screeching at the top of her chicken lungs in the mornings- Our coop is closer that it is supposed to be to our home than urban zoning regulations allow an I am worried we will be reported if she keeps this up an I don't wanna give up my babies. As soon as I hear her I run out there and give her treats an she quiets down for a bit But once she devours her goodies an her tummy settles she is back to screeching again. My other 3 youngsters have not begun laying yet an are soo quiet-will they do this also once they begin to lay? Is there anything I can do to quiet her down in the am?

Thanks so much
Jayme

 

[scbatz33]

I had a sex link who made a first class stage production of laying an egg. Of course, she only layed about 3 eggs before she quit, But the noise! As if she was the only chicken to EVEN lay an egg.

I don't know what you can do about it. Others may have a suggestion. My other girls don't do all that squaking though - it was just the one.

 

[HennysMom]

I have 4 out of my 6 that squawk like crazy (they are a year old)... but ONE in particular sounds like a goose and actually honks when she lays her eggs and then for about 10 minutes thereafter

- and they have done it since they began laying at 15 weeks.

Nothing you can do - it is what it is. Welcome to chickenhood - where chickens rule and you just have to grin and bear it.

 

[basicliving]

My Golden Penciled Hamburgs and Silver Leghorns carry on like nothing I've ever heard. Every single one of them. And scream like crazy if another hen is in whichever nest box they insist they must have. Then they scream when they finally win and get the nest box they've got their eye on. They scream while they are laying an egg. The scream after they've laid an egg. And they scream as they jump off the nest box and run into the yard - for a LONG time!

My Black Faced White Spanish hardly ever carry on. My Phoenix are perfect little ladies and rarely make any noise whatsoever.

And I don't know how you can change any of it. It's what they do

 

[Jayme]

LOL that is so funny! She does the same thing she sticks out her chest an is so proud of herself and wants everyone to know! Ok I guess I will have to invest in some ear plugs for the neighborhood i guess

I just thought it wouldn't hurt to ask I can't wait to hear what the others have in store
Thanks

 

[Ms Ellen]

Umm, I am not a chicken expert but I do train animals for a living (more or less.) You need to think about this some more. If you run out and give your girl a treat every time she is loud, even her little chicken brain will figure this out, "wow if I make a racket I get a treat, let's try that again!" So you are training her to make a loud noise whenever she wants a treat. It would be better to do something she may not like, like pick her up and hold her awhile when ever she is loud. The trouble is you don't want her to think it is the egg laying that is getting her picked up but rather the noise. I think you might be better off just ignoring it and only giving treats when she is quiet.

 

[Imp]

I had a couple start laying in December. One was so noisy I had the same concerns as you. I think it was the RIR. All are quieter now. Don't know why.
Good Luck,
Imp

 

[wingnut1]

Quote:
Ditto on this! Sounds like you might be unintentionally training her to make noise - she may be "learning" that this behavior will result in you appearing with a treat!!!

I have a buff orp that likes to vocalize a BUNCH. This is in addition to the usual buk buk bukawww! after she lays an egg... Just seems to be who she is! *LOL* She quiets down when she isn't laying eggs - read as: in the winter...

Good luck with your chicken!

 

[BorderKelpie]

Quote:
That is exactly what I was thinking as well. Now, if I can just teach my (illegal) roo to stop crowing......
I did have a hen that layed little pinkish eggs, then crowed. She sounded like a young roo just getting his voice. Weird.

 

[PhlyinPheBee]

I have 5 laying hens, RIR, 2 EE, frizzle bantam, buff columbian bantam and they all announce when they have laid and when someone else has. Sometimes it is so loud I go running out to see if there is something wrong. I can't have a rooster as I want to keep the peace with the neighbors. Luckly they are at work for the day and they only to it in the middle of the day.

Good luck.