What are they saying? 👀

[CombNWattles]

Does anyone know what the ’ambient’ chicken noises mean? Like the “errrrr, errrr, errrr” sounds they make when they’re just standing around?

I’ve observed a few other calls and their meanings, but I just can’t figure out what the purpose of those noises are.

It’s kind of like they’re having a conversation; one will do it, then the others will make a few small noises in reply.

 

[sourland]

A sound similar to that accompanied by a 'freezing in place' can be the warning of the presence of a predator - especially used for an aerial predator.

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

I've observed how mine use this call, it’s fascinating!

But its to alert the flock to the presence of an aerial predator.

 

[CombNWattles]

I think I’m not describing it well; it’s the noise than mine make when they are at ease; they do it while they are locked up in the coop and can’t see the sky, as well as when they are outside.

A few chickens make it in this video at the 1 min and 4 min marks.

It is more the quieter ‘response’ sounds I’m not sure about; I think the louder sound, if it’s persistent, means they need something (laying an egg, food/water, wanting to be let out of the coop).