Protecting Hens from Sound of Tree Removal

[Oakdale Coop]

Hi there!

Unfortunately, we have to remove a small tree that is leaning over our coop. I'm worried about the sound of the chainsaws terrifying our hens. Is there anything I can do to help them cope? Will they be okay with a an hour or so of VERY loud noise right near them? They're about a year old. Any suggestions or information welcome!

Thanks!

 

[Ted Brown]

I use my tractor to clear a path to my coop, at least as loud as a chainsaw. My birds retreat to the back of the coop but are otherwise unaffected.

 

[chickens really]

They will not care. Start it up and just do what needs to be done. If they get scared it's fine.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Interesting question. They probably will not like it. It may interfere with them laying eggs, maybe that day but more likely the day after. They release the yolk to start an egg about 25 hours before the egg is actually laid so that's probably where you'd see the effect if you see one with the eggs.

I don't know what your coop and run look like, especially in relation to that tree. Or how big that small tree is or how much cutting you'll have to do to safely remove it. I'd expect them to go as far away as they can get and probably be excited. But I'd also expect them to calm down pretty quickly. Something like an initial panic then more like "I don't like it but it hasn't eaten us yet". In any case there will be no permanent harm to them. They will get over it.

The first time I mow around the run in spring the chickens freak out. They run into the coop and get all excited. But pretty soon they realize when I pass by the mower is throwing bits of green stuff into the run through the fence. By the second or third time I mow they do not run from the sound of the mower. They come running for their treats.

My chickens are used to seeing me carrying a bucket of feed or water. Doesn't scare them at all. But if I carry something dangerous, like a camera, they tend to get really nervous. It scares them because it is something different. It's like they are scared by a potential predator, maybe like a hawk or larger songbird flying overhead. They are scared for a bit but soon get over it.

If it makes you feel better toss them some treats while you are removing that tree. That's for your benefit. They'll like the treats as they always do but will be fine without them. Plan how you are going to remove that tree and take the time to do it safely. Don't injure yourself or cause property damage worrying about how scared the chickens are. They will get over it.

 

[aart]

that is leaning over our coop.

Are you going to remove it yourselves?
I'd be more worried about part of the tree landing on the coop.
If they get too panicked they could hurt themselves trying to get away.
Crating them away from coop might be an option to consider.

The first time I mow around the run in spring the chickens freak out. They run into the coop and get all excited. But pretty soon they realize when I pass by the mower is throwing bits of green stuff into the run through the fence. By the second or third time I mow they do not run from the sound of the mower. They come running for their treats.

Exactly!

"I don't like it but it hasn't eaten us yet".

OhMan, this cracked me UP!!

 

[Mrs. K]

We cut down three trees, didn't bother them much.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I had limbs removed from a tree overhanging the run as well. The chickens weren't thrilled but certainly not too panicked. They got used to it quickly enough that they just sat around and watched the guys work.