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How to Handle Noisy Chickens

If you are about to start raising chickens you may probably ask yourself what to do if the hens are noisy and smelly? Don’t worry, there is solution for everything.

In this article on are chickens noisy and smelly, we will discuss the possible causes for the same. Then give tips on what to do with your noisy hens, how to keep them clean and avoid the bad smell. Moreover, what do different chickens’ sounds mean and finally are there quiet chickens, and which breed to choose?

Hope you find valuable information through the next lines that will help you learn more about your chickens and their characteristics. The better you know them, the easier you raise them.

Are chickens noisy?

Undoubtedly, like any other creatures, chickens have their own characteristics that all keepers should know. Knowing their characteristics is of a great help in raising your chickens properly.

Therefore as first, basic and best known characteristic seems to be the sound they produce. Additionally, the chickens ’sound may be annoying to some, but above all this article on are chickens noisy and smelly serves to encourage you that the chickens’ sound is just something  you usually  get used to after having them for a while.

We also go through some scientific research and find out that not only do chickens have a special vocalization, but they can also talk about a lot of different things from food to danger. In addition to this, the chickens have a very specific body language.

At last, not to forget that the noise will also depend on how many chickens you have in the flock, because the bigger the number, the louder the chickens.

Noisy Chickens
via flickr – credit:
Sloan Poe

When do chickens make noises?

Chickens do chatter away especially in the mornings when they are laying eggs. This cackling sound among the chickens is known to be the most popular one. It is also called an egg song (more on this below). However, this sound is as not as loud as a rooster.

Once the hen announces her good deed, she ends the cackle. One another reason for the cackling sound after laying egg is the one of drawing attention to any possible predator in the area away from her egg.

Sometimes the hens are making this sound when they are about to lay an egg, and another hen is taking too long in the next box. (For this reason, ensure enough nest boxes). Then, chickens make a lot of noises when they have been alarmed. In case they see something flying overhead, they can make a low ramble warning sound to a total hysterical cacophony.

Noisy Chickens
via pexels
credits:
samer daboul
 

Are chickens dirty and do they smell badly?

In some of our previous articles we discussed about the importance of clean coop on the one hand, and dust bathing area on the other.

These two things are the clue.

We have already mentioned that chickens give themselves a dust bath whenever they feel dirty. Bear this in mind and always provide them a certain bathing dust area (read more in our article on how to raise healthy chickens in few steps).

During dust bathing, chickens clean themselves thoroughly. They scratch down into the dirt until they hit fine dust and flop down and roll around on their backs. It is definitely a whole ritual.

To conclude: Regular dust bathing prevent the chickens from any bad smelling.

Furthermore, keeping the coop clean makes difference. It means the chickens will smell bad as long as they stay in a dirty coop. Remember: a clean coop is a healthy coop.  

Chickens only smell if they are forced to live in manure, otherwise if good care is provided, the chickens are really pleasant to keep.

Now let us see the five very common chicken noises, how to recognize them and what do they mean?

Five common chicken noises follow below:

  • The Egg Song

We believe that everyone can recognize the happy cackling of hens after an egg-laying.

  • The coop chatter

Does it happen to you when opening the coop in the morning to greet your chickens with ‘good morning’ and get a response from a group of chickens?

That is the famous coop chatter.

Also, we are pretty sure that many of you have listened to the coop chatter as the hens settle down for the nights usually murmuring, trills and contented sounds abound.

  • Broody hens and grumbles

Broodies get off a nest usually once per day.

During the time they will be bad-tempered, all the time clucking urgently. Their behavior seems to be a warning to the other hens to stay out of their way.

  • Content murmurs

Chickens do express content murmurs in case of happiness and pleasure.

That is why this is also known as pleasant and happy sound. Beside this, it is one of the ways that the flock keeps safe too. Hens can easily hear and understand each other, and if anyone sounds the alarm, they know instantly where it came from.

Last but not least, don’t forget that the hens enjoy lap time with their keepers. It is all about pleasure, happiness and content murmurs.

  • Food calls

We are certain that you have all heard the ‘tuk tuk’ noises which denote a pleasure related to food, especially when mother hen is calling her chicks to food.

Do quiet chickens exist? Which breed to choose?

When seeking quiet chickens the first breed often mentioned is Buff Orrington. They are quiet, friendly and fluffy chickens. Other quiet breeds appear to be:  Wyandottes, Brahmas, Speckled Sussex and Rhode Island Red.

 And of course don’t forget the roosters, which are loud when they crow, so having only hens would make a quieter flock.

Noisy Chickens

In the end we want to point out that having loud or quiet flock is a matter of an individual trait, not on breed-wide trait. So, while ones tend to be chatty, the others are calm and quiet. Therefore, good luck. We hope you find the best breed for you.

Don’t forget to share your experience with us.

Hope you enjoyed the article.

Are chickens noisy and smelly? Which chicken breed is the most quite to keep? Check out our suggestions on which breed to choose
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