Noisey Hen

[Melissan7257]

I have one problem hen. We used to live on a ranch when we first got our chickens and now we moved to a suburban area which allows chickens so thankfully we were able to keep them as part of our family. Unfortunately I have one hen who seems to be at the top of the pecking order and who must think she is a rooster. Every morning she crows just like a rooster(I am sure she is not, she lays eggs and is a medium size hen). It’s so loud and starts around 6:15 and goes for an hour. It is not the egg song that starts around 8 am and that’s not a big deal and not as loud. My neighbors have already said something and I don’t blame them. Chickens aren’t exactly like dogs and I can’t just train them or use a bark collar. Every post I see confirms you can’t just stop them. I’m starting to think my only option is rehoming her, which I don’t really want to do. Also I tried using a squirt bottle like some other people have suggsested on previous posts, seemed to help some but then I’m outside with her for an hour every morning and I have a baby and another child I have to get ready for school and that’s not practical.

Has anyone successfully delt with this? Any suggestions? And what are my options with rehoming?
They free range during the day and have tons of space. Not sure why there is not really information out there, that hens can be super loud too not just roosters.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Yes, hens can crow and even grow spurs. It isn't super common is probably why their isn't much information.

You might be able to try blacking out morning light for a couple extra hours? Chickens can see UV so they see the sun several hours before it comes up. She has taken on a protector roll... and might be responding to neighborhood noises and such same way my roosters do.

Does she happen to stop when you let them out?

Not sure if a no crow collar will work on a hen... but it does reduce the sound made by roosters.

It stinks that she is being labeled a problem hen since you moved.

It's great that you are trying to teach her to fit in to your new environment! Chickens are creatures of habit. Re-homing might not be bad idea.

Adding your general location to your profile can help others make the most relevant suggestions at a glance.

Good luck!

 

[Melissan7257]

Hi! Thank you so much for your reply and suggestion! The noise starts in the coop and continues or gets louder as she free ranges. I have not looked into a crow collar I may definitely try that. Blacking out- might be worth a try... would this affect their egg production? And what would be the best way to black that area out? I agree that she has taken on protector roll. We even had a period of time she was picking on one of my other girls, that was solved with adjusting the food. She never did this on the ranch, although we’ve actually had more issues with prediditors in the suburban area than the farm! Believe it or not!

 

[Pork Pie]

I spent two years breeding my own blue laying birds (not readily available where i live) but my prized blue egg layers were the noisiest birds known to mankind. My neighbour complained (and I couldn’t blame him) so sadly i got rid of them. Doing the same may cause you less stress in the long-run

 

[Melissan7257]

Very interesting! Mine lay blue eggs as well. Ameraucanas. I agree. Rehoming maybe best for her, but isn’t easy to find around here (Orange County).

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

Does she only crow that time in the morning? If so you could consider getting some kind of cage or crate and bringing her in the house overnight every day. My rooster sleeps in the downstairs bathroom in a crate because otherwise the neighbours complain about his crowing in the mornings.