Strange noises...

[schoman]

Hi there. I'm pretty new to backyard chicken raising, but I have three (seemingly healthy) Americauna hens in my backyard. They are about four and a half months old and I raised them from week one. Dusty has started laying already, but my question is about Peaches. She makes a really strange hissing/growling noise, usually when she first sees me. It doesn't seem aggressive or scary, but I can't figure out if it's normal or what. It's a kind of raspy, drawn out noise that lasts for a second or two at a time. As if she's saying "hhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy". It's the kind of noise I would expect from a chicken who's had a long time smoking habit.

Anyways, I searched the forums a bit but am not convinced that it's perfectly normal. Anyone else know what I'm talking about?

 

[Yazzo]

Totally normal.

Not completely sure what sound you mean, but some of my hens make that kind of sound when I disturb them while they're sitting on eggs. Just them trying to be intimidating....they usually only do it when I surprise them. The roosters also make a similar sound, either when they see a hawk, or when something is surprising or looks like a threat. They do it sometimes just when another chicken flaps or shakes. Seems to be something the more 'flighty' 'nervy' hens do....she's probably just surprised or feels threatened by you.

 

[crawfordmama]

I agree that's it's probably normal. My hens make all kinds of noises at me, ranging from gurgling, to honking, to growling-type noises. They're just telling you about their day!