Too Noisy! Can they be quieted?

[kmdsparrow]

Quote:
They are Easter Eggers and when I researched chickens, I was told that they are quieter. Personally, I don't have a problem with their cackling. It's just that it's so early in the morning when I hear them and I'm concerned that I am disturbing my neighbors. I live on a very tiny plot. It's about a tenth of an acre so my neighbors are very close. They also get our Jack Russell going and to me he is much more disturbing than the chickens. Can I leave them in the coop a little longer? Will that help? Right now they can get up and get out into the run on their own. I've also wondered if I cover the windows and wait until I leave before I let them out?
Any input appreciated.

 

[Kassaundra]

Quote:
They are Easter Eggers and when I researched chickens, I was told that they are quieter. Personally, I don't have a problem with their cackling. It's just that it's so early in the morning when I hear them and I'm concerned that I am disturbing my neighbors. I live on a very tiny plot. It's about a tenth of an acre so my neighbors are very close. They also get our Jack Russell going and to me he is much more disturbing than the chickens. Can I leave them in the coop a little longer? Will that help? Right now they can get up and get out into the run on their own. I've also wondered if I cover the windows and wait until I leave before I let them out?
Any input appreciated.

Oh no!

I also got EE b/c I read they were quieter. Mine are just a few weeks old and still in the brooder, but I also live in town. I don't have any advice for you, sorry, just hoping I'm not going to be in the same boat in a few months!

 

[drumstick diva]

I think you idea of keeping them confined longer in the morning will help, and also if you keep it darker in the coop. I don't know what to suggest about your Jack Russell - if it's a severe disturbance with his barking - maybe just a shock collar for awhile. Or have him trained to ignore the chicken noises. On tv the dog trainers, sure get alot of mileage out of clicker training and treats, I don't know how that holds up in real time use.Maybe you could condition him to do something else when he gets excited - like use it as a cue for him to run and get his ball.

 

[kmdsparrow]

It seems to be working a little to keep them covered up in the morning. They will still make some noise especially if they are getting ready to lay an egg, but they seem to be a little quieter.

 

[LindsayB]

My easter eggers I have now and the many I've had before didn't cackle a whole lot but they did make a growling sound constantly! Our barred rock has her moments but isn't near as loud as the ee's. As soon as the back door opens they get very excited and very LOUD. I have to give them treats just to get them quiet...I guess they have me trained! lol Personally I think booming cars driving by and dogs constantly barking are more of a disturbance than hen cackles.

 

[bburn]

Mine are right out my bedroom window...I know...what was I thinking.

At 0430 yesterday morning both roosters started crowing. Then a little bit later SOMEONE must have fallen off a roost....pretty loud for a few minutes. It was enough for me to open the window and listen....just in case. My 22 is under my side of the bed....so maybe I was pretty smart for having them right outside my window, up off the ground and no screen!

Was just doing dishes and could not figure out what I was hearing....then opened the door and could really hear. Must have been a hawk.....BO roo was making his warning sound and everyone else was joining in. Everyone was in the coop, the new girls managed to get behind their little nest box, and the Lone Rooster was actually in his dog house. So I know when there is real racket going on SOMETHING is out there and I run with the hoe!

 

[boykin2010]

my easter egger is the quietest out of all my hens. my buff orp and cuckoo maran are definatly the loudest especially when they are about to lay an egg.

 

[Dora'smom]

Our EE's are very quiet---I watched Dora lay an egg last week without a peep, and then she jumped down and went to the food as though nothing had happened. It depends on the assortment you have, I guess. Some are noisier than others, just as there is a variation in egg color or anything else.

 

[chooniecat]

my EE's are quiet on the nest but talk a lot(quietly) when walking around. probably is an announcement of coming or just laid egg. I just recieved a "pet" hen, 2 yo BO, that came with a bird toy(clacks,rattles,jingles) and she spends a LOT of time playing with that. try some hanging(reasonably quiet) bird toys. I was surprised as I have never given my chickens toys(I do NOW). GOOD LUCK!

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

Petunia (BO) SCREAMS for ages before she finally selects the 'perfect' nesting box and settles down. That scream just about takes the top of your head off

Some of the others are Drama Queens...they cackle if they see someone in a nest box let alone see them drop the egg while in a squat. The 6 Sex Links are too cool to make noise but the 3 BR's make up for it. The EE's are whiners...always a story of woe.

Some of the chatter is neat and DH says it is very calming...he doesn't sit out with them like I do and hear some of the loud stuff!