It is legal where I live, but how loud are they?

[OKstatePOKES]

Hi, gang. Thanks for all of the wonderful info compiled here.

I have determined that raising BYCs is completely legal where I live and it does not conflict with our homeowners association laws. In spite of this, I do not want to hack off my neighbors. We live on .5-.75 acre lots. Our homes are all positioned close to the streets which gives us fairly large backyards (i.e. homes are pretty far apart for an urban setting). My plan is to raise 3 hens and position them in the center/back area of my backyard. How much noise will my neighbors have to endure? I'm not looking for a decible level or anything...I just don't know what to expect. Are they more noisy during the laying process? If so, would extra insulation on the coop help remedy this? Would additional shrubs and landscaping reduce the sound transfer? Assuming my neighbor's home is 100' from the area I have set aside and there is a 6'H fence, will they be able to hear the gals? I don't want to go through the effort and expense only to scap the idea.

Thank you.

Forgive me if this has been asked hundreds of times.

 

[KellyHM]

IF you're only going to have hens and no roosters then you should be fine. They cackle after laying an egg, but it's not THAT loud and it's not for very long.

 

[FrenchHen]

Welcome!
No dumb questions, we're here to help!
In my limited experience, noise seems to be very low. Especially my Silver Penciled Hamburgs. Each bird will cackle a bit when they lay, but I hardly hear a peep from my Hamburgs, even when they lay. They're certainly quieter than our dogs, and the dogs next to us as well. My neighbors are cool, especially since they get free eggs.

 

[NGT ANGL]

The hens usually "brag" a bit (cackle) after laying an egg and sometimes, the other girls will chime in with congratulations

but it never seems to last that long and they are certainly not as loud (IMO) as a roo.

to BYC from Virginia!

 

[ranchhand]

Yes, the egg song can be pretty long and loud. If you keep them in the coop until later in the day, when they are through laying, it will help.

I can hear mine from 3/4 of an acre away. Only lasts 6-7 minutes max.

When you get chickens, be sure you only get pullets or hens, no roosters. Even the quieter roosters can be heard for a country mile!

And perhaps give some eggs to the neighbors, as a "gift" (bribe). You might also consider talking to all of them beforehand, as a courtesy.

Have fun, you will love having them!

 

[OKstatePOKES]

Thanks, everyone. I will most certainly check with the neighbors first.

Also, I forgot to add this link as a valuable recource in searching your municipality's legal codes. I am sure that many of you are familiar with it. HERE
http://www.municode.com/resources/OnlineLibrary.asp

It's especially handy because it highlights your search terms and even scrolls to those terms in each ordinance. Sadly, not every municiple government is available but it'll help many of us.

 

[Sillystunt]

Just make sure no Roo's and you should be OK!

Some homeowners have their own rules and city codes don't apply! Seen it here many times. Check your HOA, before you get them. they can make your life hell~

Hens announce they have given you an egg. It's not lous like roo's !! My neighbor loves mine and the goats. I got lucky and we have no HOA

 

[OKstatePOKES]

Quote:
Yeah, I have an unrelated meeting with the 'hood developer tomorrow. I am going to double check with him. I've read the HOA covenants so many times that I can point out every illegal fence, shed or exposed boat throughout our development. I'm less worried about the legality of it and more concerned with the noise and angry neighbors. So, I'll just have to feel them out to see what they think about it.

 

[unaspenser]

there are lots of breeds which are specifically known for being quieter breeds. You can find good info on the chicken pages here or by googling "quiet hens" etc.

 

[OKstatePOKES]

Does anyone here live in a suburban area with less than 1/2 acre of land? If so, have you received any negative reactions from neighbors?