The Quietest Cockerel

[Anonymous]

We are looking to be first time chicken owners and are after some advice if anyone can help. We were looking to get 2 hens as pets, ideally we want 1 hen and 1 cockerel however our neighbour is in very close proximity and would not appreciate a noisy cockerel. We would consider it if there was a breed that had a very quiet cockerel if anyone knows? Otherwise it will just be 2 hens and still undecided on the breed.

 

[snifter]

I've never met a quiet crowing cock bird yet :lol: They all make a fair noise on some level throughout the day :roll:

If you have neighbours I'd get a couple of hens. Also makes life easier then if you go for a breed that does not really go broody. Ensures you should get a steady supply of eggs from them. A cock bird you only really need if planning to breed, otherwise I'd steer clear. They don't always make great pets and some can become aggressive and bad tempered and then are hard to rehome. Also if your neighbours complain you may find yourself faced with having to find him a new home. Which for cock birds is hard work, and they are often culled. Many people find that hard to do with birds they consider as pets. I also don't hold with breeding from inferior cock birds and always try to ensure the birds I keep are good for breeding, the pet quality ones I never breed from, just keep as pets.

I'd be inclined to get a few hens, thus ensuring they have each other for company. Find a breed that lays well over the year and isn't inclined to get too broody so you won't have those problems to contend with each spring and summer. Bantam or large hens is also the other thing to consider. I personally prefer bantams but have kept large hens also.

 

[Tim]

Yup, me neither - the little ones can be especially shrill when you think they might not have as much cock-a-doodle-do in them!

And... they will crow at first light, and when it's quiet at 4am it's amazing how far the sound travels, even when they are locked up safely in the house.

A cockerel and one hen would be a problem - the hen would have constant attention and after a little too much loving would lose her feathers on her back / saddle very quickly. Ideally you should think of a cockerel to go with 8-10 hens, even half a dozen or if you are breeding and can move him or the hens around, you would probably use a pair, or a trio - 2 hens to a cockerel but they normally would only be in the pen for a short time or the hens would start to suffer unless he was very gentle, not all cockerels are the same, some are more careful than others.

Most people buy 3 hens. 2 is the minimum for company but 3 is better (in case you lose one) and usually provides you with an egg or 2 every day, enough for the average household.

Hope this is of help!

Tim