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If you’d like to have a little more control over your food supply, you’ve probably thought about getting chickens. It sounds easy enough, right? A coop, a few chickens, and plenty of fresh organic eggs. You don’t have to worry about the next egg shortage and prices skyrocketing.
But maybe you live in town with neighbors that would surely complain. There’s a solution to that—they’ll never know!
There are some chickens that aren’t as noisy as the others. Assuming you don’t get a rooster and you keep the coop clean, you can go relatively undetected. Of course, if there are city codes that prevent you from having chickens, this is not for you.
For those looking to maintain a serene backyard while enjoying fresh eggs every morning, selecting quieter chicken breeds can make a huge difference. Here’s a list of some of the calmest, quietest breeds.
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Australorp
Australorps are laid-back, excellent egg layers that tend to be quieter than most other chicken breeds. They are not going to run around the backyard making a fuss about every bug they see or noise they hear.
There are many different colors of Australorps, but they all typically lay light brown eggs. These birds are on of the best layers out there. You can expect anywhere from 260 to 300 legs a year.
Barred Plymouth Rock
Barred Rocks are friendly, quiet birds. Known for their adaptability to various climates, they are excellent layers and thrive in cold environments. These guys are great for northern climates. While a lot of chickens will stop laying in the winter, these guys will power through.
These chickens have a calm temperament. Their eggs are pretty good size, falling in the medium to large range, and they lay about 250 to 300 eggs per year. One drawback with barred rocks is they have a great few years and then they just kind of stop laying eggs earlier than a lot of other breeds.
Brahma
Brahmas are gentle giants, known for their large size and quiet nature. They rarely make noise. They are very regal birds that are raised f or eggs or meat. They are big birds and lay medium to large eggs, bigger than most other breeds on this list. They aren’t prolific egg layers, maybe 150 egg per year.
Cochin
Cochins are large, fluffy chickens with a quiet and motherly temperament. They love to use all their fluff to sit on eggs, which is great for hatching, but not great for egg laying. Their calm demeanor, even when interacting with other birds, makes them excellent for peaceful flocks.
Cochins are known for their brooding behavior and are often kept as pets rather than egg layers. Because of their size, they are not going to fly over your fence and into your neighbor’s yards. These guys are great to look at and love on but you’ll only get about 150 to 180 eggs per year.
Faverolles
Faverolles are a quirky yet quiet breed. They are very pretty with their big, fluffy cheeks and feathery feet. They are friendly, calm, and excellent for families or those looking for an unusual, serene chicken. They can be chatty, but they aren’t loud. They are a smaller bird and lay about 180 to 200 eggs per year.
Orpington
Orpingtons are large, gentle chickens that are very friendly. They don’t mind the occasional hug. Despite their size, they are known for their calm nature and soft clucking, especially when laying eggs. Orpingtons are great for families or anyone looking for a quiet yet productive breed for both eggs and meat.
They come in a variety of colors, which is a hit with the kids. Because they are bigger and fluffier, they don’t do great in the heat. They are excellent egg producers and will lay between 200 to 280 light brown eggs per year. Orpingtons do tend to go broody a lot.
Rhode Island Reds
These guys are probably the most common backyard chicken you’ll find. They are easy to raise, but don’t expect them to be a pet. They are not cuddly. They will be fairly quiet if they are happy and feel safe.
They make the usual cackling when they are laying eggs, but other than that, they mind their business and eat lots of bugs. You can expect up to 300 eggs per year.
Silkie
Silkies are often described as the lapdogs of the chicken world. They are small, fluffy, and incredibly docile. Known for their soft clucking and almost purring sounds, they are a great choice for families, especially those with children. Silkies are calm and rarely make loud noises.
While these guys are cute and quiet, they are on the lower end of the egg production scale with 100 to 150 per year. They produce a white/cream colored eggshell, which for some is more aesthetically pleasing then brown.
Sussex
The Sussex chicken is a large bird and most can be quiet. Some will get fired up, but you can mitigate the issues by helping them feel safe. They are a friendly bird that can be used for meat or eggs.
These guys don’t like the heat. If you live in a hot environment, they will need plenty of shade. They lay around 250 eggs per year.
Wyandotte
Hardy and docile, Wyandottes are reliable, dual-purpose chickens that are not prone to excessive noise. Their calm and friendly nature makes them a favorite among backyard chicken keepers.
People love the different colors of the wyandottes. These guys are a huge hit with kids. Despite their colorful appearance, wyandottes lay brown eggs. You can expect anywhere from 200 to 250 eggs a year. They are not huge producers.
Tips for Keeping Your Flock Quiet
In addition to selecting quiet breeds, there are several ways to minimize noise in your flock. Happy birds that don’t feel threatened will generally be quiet. All chickens tend to be vocal when they are laying an egg. It’s their little celebration. If they are in their coop, you can help minimize the sound.
However, if you have a small flock, it’s unlikely anyone is going to be annoyed by the sound. And it tends to come mid-morning when most people are already awake.
Limit Roosters
Roosters are naturally loud, often crowing throughout the day. If you’re aiming for a quiet flock, it’s best to limit or avoid keeping roosters altogether. Roosters tend to stir up the hens as well which can cause excessive cackling. Many ordinances will allow for hens, but not roosters.
Provide a Stress-Free Environment
Chickens often become noisy when they’re stressed. Providing a safe, comfortable coop with adequate space, ventilation, and nesting areas can help keep your flock calm. Make sure they have access to food and water at all times.
If you have a dog, you’ll want to keep it away from the chickens. If you have raccoons, skunks or other critters that can and will mess with your chickens and get them fired up.
Use Visual Barriers
Chickens may become agitated if they can see potential predators or disturbances. Fencing with solid or opaque materials can help reduce their stress and keep them quiet. Your neighbor’s dog or cat might alarm them. They need to feel safe in their little world to be quiet.
Engage Your Chickens
Bored chickens tend to be noisier. Providing toys, perches, or allowing them to forage can keep them engaged and content, reducing the likelihood of noisy clucking.
If you have a chicken tractor (you should have one) they will be more than happy to scratch the grass and move around the yard. On hot days, make sure they have shade so they can have a nice nap. A dirt patch is also going to be appreciated for their dirt baths.
Consistent Routines
Chickens thrive on routine. A predictable schedule for feeding, cleaning, and free ranging can help reduce anxiety and noise levels. Sudden changes in their environment or routine can lead to unnecessary noise. Chickens know when it’s breakfast and dinner time.
Darken the Coop
If your chickens are waking up too early and making noise, consider using darker shades or curtains in their coop to block out the early morning light in the summer. This can keep them quieter for longer periods in the morning.
However, in the winter when sunlight is in short supply, you’ll need a lamp set on a timer to make sure they get ten hours of light every day to keep them on schedule and happy.
Limit Your Flock Size
Too many chickens is going to lead to more noise. And just like humans, not all chickens get along. If you find you have an instigator, you’ll need to eliminate her from the flock. Make sure your hens have plenty of personal space. This will cut down on fights over the best spot to nap and at feeding time.
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