Why are my pullets so loud??

[Lucy4]

We are illegal, so I wish they'd pipe down. They've never been loud before the last week or so, but suddenly they're squacking like foghorns. Is this their age? (They were born March 20.)

Perhaps it's because I can't let them free range anymore because of my evil neighbors... either way, they have a 200 sq ft bush pen outside of the coop and run for the four of them, so it's not like they're on top of each other. (I'm still feeling guilty.)

So is this normal behavior? They are LOUD.

Thanks.

 

[silkiechicken]

Squaking comes with maturity and getting ready to lay. Hopefully you can get eggs before you get complants. Good luck!

 

[Lucy4]

Well, that's good news!

Thanks. At least I know the noise comes with some positives, ha.

 

[Jajika]

I, too, was surprise when I first got chickens eight years ago. I was shocked that they were so loud?

Good grief, you'd think they were roosters.

Mine make a ton of noise in the morning walking around seeing what's going on and talking to each other.

When they lay an egg, you'd think the world had to know...then sometimes two would chime in and I swear their noise could be heard for four blocks.

No, they won't pipe down. They may get noiser.

Have you offered your neighbors eggs?

 

[toletiquesbysam]

Chickens are loud?!?!?! I wouldn't know, my Ducks make soo much noise, they get the geeese going and I hear nothing but them! I didn't even realize chickens make a peep!!!

 

[Lucy4]

So the noise will continue then?

We will certainly offer the neighbors eggs, but they are so evil that it won't make a difference.

I need some kind of sound barrier. Hm. Privacy fencing better come down in price soon.

 

[Happy Chooks]

My sex link was extremely loud. (like rooster loud, and I was shocked they are that loud) And she'd do her thing at 6:30 in the morning and again after she laid the egg. (lost her to a hawk)

My BO sounds like someone is strangling a goose, but she's not as loud. (or maybe I'm just used to it now) My LB makes very little noise, and the others (so far) are quiet.

So I guess I'm saying that for me at least, it depends on the chicken.

 

[vermontgal]

This product does not specifically list chicken squawking as one of its uses, but would probably still work - http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/wall_barrier/wall_barrier.htm

But, for a more cost effective solution, I would suggest:
a. Building a coop with a solid, insulated wall on your neighbor's side - direct the noise toward your house.
b. Build a good overhanging roof, and under the roof, drape some old blankets or comforters, for sound absorption. You could wash these periodically.
c. Make sure they have plenty to do in their run. I am about to start a system of growing bugs & worms for my chickens. Within their run, I will construct a shallow cover (made of wood), and put some organic material under the wood. This will attract bugs / worms that the chickens won't immediately be able to eat. After a week or so, I'll uncover that area, and shift the cover to a new area. This concept is still experimental, but I know that the girls are quieter when they are rooting around looking for food. I'm also planning to reinstitute a chicken tractoring system for them, in addition to their stationery run.

good luck with your neighbors.

 

[Lucy4]

Those are great suggestions. Thank you.

I think a chicken tractor is in our immediate future. The coop (unfortunately) is too close to the evil neighbors. That won't matter in the winter when their windows are closed, but til then... it's not an ideal situation.

 

[Jajika]

I agree that when the chickens are busy doing their scratching thing, chasing bugs and bouncing on branches, they are much happier.

After all, I too would get bored sitting around a dirt coop all day.

However, in the mornings my girls still get very noisy and of course when they lay and egg.

If your chickens are not confined, and I'm not a fan of a sterile yard, lots of bushes is another option for sound absorption.

Also, the idea one had of bugs is excellent. Nothing like distraction to keep them busy and possibly mor quiet.