Why does my hens chirp an hour before sunset?

[jacobhawaiifarm]

Usually my hens (12 Rhode island reds) are fairly quiet during the day
but maybe an hour or two before sunset, about 5 to 6pm, they chirp like crazy.
of course, after dark they are all in the coop all quiet again
but that last hour before sunset they are kind of loud.
It has become loud enough for me to take notice daily.

Does anyone know why?
Sorry if it was mentioned before but i am new to chicken farming.
thanks

 

[chickcrack]

My younger birds (7 weeks) are still adjusting to darkness and get anxious as they see dusk coming on. My 1-3 year olds have calmed down as they have aged but one hen chatters non-stop she seems to be the "darkness alert" to the rest of the flock and shortly after she starts her chattering everyone gets inside and assumes their positions. I think it's just a chicken thing lol!

 

[jacobhawaiifarm]

haha i guess so...i am also thinking it is some kind of warning communication
so i find it funny they always chirp right before the sun is setting.

thanks for the response!!