Vocal chickens?

[Annichka]

Up until a month ago, my two hens never made much noise except when laying eggs. They squawk like the dickens at that point, then the rest of the day never do more than quiet clucking.

A month ago, they started going off for no particular reason. It's not quite the cacophany they produce while laying, but it's close, and it continues for 5 minutes (it seems so much longer!) or so.

Is there something wrong? They look fine, behavior is otherwise normal. I wouldn't care, so long as they aren't sick, except we live in the 'burbs and I'm waiting for a neighbor to call...

 

[CMV]

They are fine. Don't worry. They have a bee in their bonnet about something. My chickens will do that for a variety of reasons- one just laid an egg, or a singleton is lost from the group, or the dog just barked in the right pattern, or a chicken is getting uppity with another. It usually means they are wanting to call attention to themselves, but usually not for any serious concern.

It's annoying when it happens at 5 AM, though.