I was out with Peggy and Tina this morning, watering the garden while they enjoyed their morning free range, when I heard some familiar clucking. This cluck didn't come from my hens, though, but from somewhere nearby. The noise was faint, but it sounded just like the loud morning clucks Peggy and Tina make before I let them out.
So, it appears we have some chicken-loving neighbors. This doesn't surprise me, honestly, but it's nice to get some confirmation. It also made me feel better about the noise my hens make. They can get pretty rowdy first thing in the morning, and while they don't crow like roosters, they can certainly make their presence known. I have always reassured myself that a few boisterous clucks are nothing compared to the more frequent noise of dogs barking and helicopters flying overhead. Hearing those distant clucks today just made me feel happy and calm, so hopefully that's how my neighbors feel, too. So far, we haven't had any complaints.
Speaking of like-minded neighbors, Dakota and I had a fun time at the Freedom Gardens event last Sunday. We met our blog friends from Ramshackle Solid, and chatted with many other friendly and interesting folks who are, like us, finding out how fun and empowering backyard "farming" can be. I like the idea of joining a community in Los Angeles that's really committed to living sustainably. So, I think we'll attend more of these events in the future.
Love your blog... we are worried about the noise our hens will make when they arrive. Any helpful suggestions?
I was very surprised when I first heard just how loud my hens can be! Mine seem to make the most noise when they are laying an egg; I don't know whether it's pride or pain of childbirth. My dogs make much more noise, though. I am so lucky to live far enough out that the neighbors don't complain of animal noises.
Hey Chet. I actually don't think you should worry too much about the noise, although I guess it depends on where you live and how many hens you have. My hens don't make noise all day, just for maybe 10-15 minutes in the morning.
In an urban area like LA, there are so many other loud noises that I feel like a boisterous hen cluck that lasts a minute isn't nearly as bad as a dog that barks all day or a leaf blower. If you're in the country like Kathi, I guess it's no biggie either.
If you're an area that's normally pretty quiet, I'd suggest talking to your neighbors in advance. Let them know there might be a little noise from the hens, but it won't be any louder (and will probably be softer) than the calls from wild birds. (The crows in my neighborhood are quite a lot louder than our hens.)
If you feel like they're being really loud, let them out to free range. That always quiets my hens down immediately. If you can't free range, maybe throw them some greens or fruit scraps to distract them.
Oh, and give your neighbors free eggs. That's the tried-and-true way to make your everyone chicken-friendly.