Will my girls be noisy?

[Anonymous]

Hello all

Well, I am finally picking up my girls this Saturday (it has been a long time coming, but their new home is looking fantastic!!) and I can't wait!! The only trouble is that I'm now starting to worry about how noisy they might be. I live in a residential area, and whilst there are no rules that state I can't keep hens, I'm worried about them waking up the neighbours!

Are there any top tips for keeping them calm if they start bawling early on in the mornings?

Thanks all

Helen

 

[foxy]

Chickens do like a routine, and as long as you don't let them out too early they should be fine! They will wake naturally depending on amount of light, so if they are a bit noisy you can always reduce the amount of light coming in. I expect they will be fine, sometimes they squark a little to announce the arrival of an egg, but that shouldn't disturb the neighbours.
Let them know though, you have chickens, this will allow them to discuss any concerns they have and give you the opportunity to allay any fears and reassure them with a few free fresh eggs!

 

[charlielavin]

I think they will be alright, my girls tend to have a bit of grumble when I'm late in letting them out , and generally chatter about various things but they are certainly not noisy.

I think it might only be a problem if you have a cockerel, otherwise I wouldn't worry. Good advice about offering eggs to the neighbours -though I'm enjoying mine too much to give them away!

 

[elmwood]

Hi Helen,

A very good question and one we asked over 6 months ago. We now know every trick in the book to keep them calm!. As foxy says light is one big trigger. We have resorted to covering our mesh come air vent in the coop with black plastic to reduce the light levels. Getting up at 5 to let out 2 girlies was becoming a little wearing. As for the other three (pekins in a separate house) they are never ready to venture outside much before 6.30. Be prepared for the announcing of the laying & when the egg has arrived - the celebration call. It is quite noisy. To this day we pre-empt their "screeching" to lay - and as soon as they start we are out, scooping them up, and shutting them in their house for a couple of hours.

They are such little darlings, and so very clever. I am sure you will be enchanted with them, if you have children you'll understand the term "cot-gazing", well its akin to that anyway.

Sometimes I just scoop them up and give them a cuddle in a soft towel on my knee. They like their heads loosley covered, whilst I stroke them- they fall asleep and seem so much more contented after 20mins TLC.
All the best Sharron