Which breed is the quietest chick for laying and general day time living.

[Pecked2Death]

I have a friend with a neighbour just looking for a reason to call the police on him. He wants to have some chickens next year - he is within city limits, so wants to get the quietest breed he can. I know that my RIR are very chatty girls and loud when it comes to laying - thay make noise for at least an hour during the wanting to and laying and after laying process.

Suggestions welcome - ans very much appreciated.

Stef

 

[4hchickmama]

I have a friend with a neighbour just looking for a reason to call the police on him. He wants to have some chickens next year - he is within city limits, so wants to get the quietest breed he can. I know that my RIR are very chatty girls and loud when it comes to laying - thay make noise for at least an hour during the wanting to and laying and after laying process.

Suggestions welcome - ans very much appreciated.

Stef

Well obviously stay away from a rooster.

If chickens are allowed by law, the neighbor can complain, but usually has to prove the birds are a nuisance. Silkies are generally pretty quiet...as are orpingtons. I've also heard people say their EE's and Australorps are pretty quiet. Most chickens are going to have an "I laid an egg" song that is going to be on the loud side. Keeping just a few birds lessens the noise as well. 2 birds are going to have less to squabble and make noise about than 5 birds....or 10 birds....etc.

The good thing about silkies is that most people don't actually know they are chickens at first glance. A nosy neighbor poking his head over the fence might see an animal, but it isn't apparent that it is a chicken. I've heard people refer to their "african land parrots" before. For some reason, seeing a "chicken" automatically puts some people on edge.

 

[NightHeronFarm]

My silkies have always been very quiet and mellow. They can be a bit ditzy but I highly recommend them. Very entertaining.

 

[LAFreewayChickens]

Stay away from Rhode Island Reds and their crosses, including Red Stars (aka Red Sex link) and Black Stars (aka Black Sex link). I have a black star that has to be the noisiest chicken in the world. Luckily, the neighbors in the condo buildings which are on both sides of our yard have not complained. I'm trying Australorps now, but they are still chicks so I can't give a noise report. But based on my research they seem to be a good choice for good layers which are not too loud.