Stealthy coop and run needed

[JackE]

You may be able to camouflage/hide the coop, that's the easy part. But if you have some chickens like I have, Hiding their noise will be the tough, if not impossible part. I have a few chickens that seem really proud of themselves when they lay an egg. They'll start in the coop, BOCKBOCKBOCKBAGAAAALK, then they'll come out of the coop and stand at the top of the ramp, and scream some more. Also, some of them have buddies, who join in with their own yelling and encouragement. I think it's funny myself. They can really make some noise out there. I used to live in a deed restricted neighborhood. I know how it is, some people just looooove to be able to stick their nose in your business, using the "Rules" as all the reason they need. That's why I'm now out in the country, with the neighbors far away.
Jack

 

[aschm01]

Here's how I'm experimenting to conceal the eggsong - not all of mine are laying yet. I'm using containerized giant bamboo in targeted areas and birdfeeders on the periphery away from contact with my birds. I'm trying to keep my group of hens really small... limiting it to two French Marans and two Isbars. These were the quieter breeds discussed here on BYC. I started with more chicks, but have given away the noisy pullets and roosters. I split the remaining into two groups of 2 in smaller coop/runs because they were quieter that way especially with the dogs running about. I also have a group of 4 Pyncheons in addition, but they sound more chirpy like the wild birds here. Oh and I have a dog that will bark on command. My nosey nelly neighbors have an annoying dog that barks late at night so they aren't perfectly compliant with nuisance law, so my own barking dog will help me some. And the polycarbonate panels block noise.

I'll keep y'all posted.

 

[Civil Eggs]

aschm01, thank you for your ideas. Its all helpful.

JackE, we are looking for an acreage. Land, even half an acre, in commuting distance to our work in the city is very cost prohibitive; we'll definitely end up with less of a house when we move, but I don't mind downsizing the building to have more space and freedoms.

 

[TriangleMaster9]

Once you get past the design part, you could insolate the walls, not only does it keep it warm in the winter, it keeps the noise down, so neighbors don't get supious.... but then again what about when they're outside?...

 

[real_redhead]

Quote:
Too funny I love it when a post makes me laugh out loud it's like a good Hallmark card!! I have 1 girl who you can hear up the block after she lays an egg then I have 2 others you never know they even laid an egg! My banty also makes a lot of racket when she lays. I have 7 other who haven't started laying yet! So who knows what the noise level will be in the next few weeks!! But generally it doesn't last more than 15 - 30 min and it is usually mid morning so if people are at work they may not notice until the weekend! The only other time they make a racket is when there is a predator around. They usually let me know! I am fortunate enought to live in a city that allows chickens and I can have up to 10 on my 50 by 100 ft lot! Hope no one ever comes to check on how many haha!! Good luck.

 

[yolka doodle]

This might sound silly but if i make a sudden loud noise when my girls are letting everyone now they have laid an egg they shut up. Do they lay around the same time everyday? if you could time a CD player to come on around the same time play some thing loud that startles them they may be quiet. i know it would shut my girls up. far fetched i know but thats all i can think of. ha ha ha good luck.

 

[SunnyAlberta]

Food shuts them up, too.

 

[Stumpy]

How about some large wind chimes and perhaps a water feature, a plug-in fountain of some sort?

 

[TriangleMaster9]

I thought this was a chicken house not a zen garden!

 

[SunnyAlberta]

I think hanging out with chickens is a very Zen-like experience. Go for it.