My Chicks are Purring?!

[orrpeople]

IMO, the purr of warning is a different sound all together than the purr/trill of a contented chick telling bed time stories.  It's impossible to describe the difference with human words, but the difference is very distinct, and unforgettable.  When I want to give a warning to my flock, whether chicks or adults, I do a high pitched "razzberry/trill".  They instinctively know that sound, even chicks fresh out of the egg, and they will run for cover.

Interesting... I've heard both sounds, and you're right - hard to tell the difference. The contented sound I hear most from the brooder is almost whispered peeping, and from my adult birds (when they're on my chair, telling me about their day) a sweet, soft cluck cluck. I shall have to be more perceptive in my art of chicken language!

 

[Blooie]

I hear that sound all the time when my chicks snuggle under Mama Heating Pad for the night. It's the softest, most contented little sound, isn't it? I listen for it and it makes me smile.

 

[drumstick diva]

"Chick purrs " must be the equivalent of "puppy breath," in dogs.

 

[suelon99]

My chickens also do a funny 'purring sound' when they are dustbathing under our sunny porch-so funny to listen to. Even our 2 outdoor cats will sit and listen to them. I also have a loud high pitched warning sound if they get too near the road, and I have a 'TREATS!' loud chukking sound-LOVE watching them run/fly and scream to get to me for it. I had no idea yrs ago when I was dreaming of getting a flock how funny they are! LOVE watching them play keepaway with cooked spaghetti or fruitcake-absolutely hysterical!

 

[orrpeople]

My chickens also do a funny 'purring sound' when they are dustbathing under our sunny porch-so funny to listen to. Even our 2 outdoor cats will sit and listen to them.  I also have a loud high pitched warning sound if they get too near the road, and I have a 'TREATS!' loud chukking sound-LOVE watching them run/fly and scream to get to me for it. I had no idea yrs ago when I was dreaming of getting a flock how funny they are!  LOVE watching them play keepaway with cooked spaghetti or fruitcake-absolutely hysterical!

Spaghetti is my favorite - especially when they run around with a long one and everybody's trying to nip a piece off the end!