Keeping chickens can be a delightful addition to your homestead, whether you’re in the suburbs or the countryside. However, if peace and quiet are priorities—especially if you have close neighbors or simply enjoy a tranquil backyard—choosing the right breed is essential. Not all chickens are created equal when it comes to noise levels. While some breeds are naturally chatty and boisterous, others are calm, docile, and barely cluck beyond a contented murmur.
In this article, we’ll explore the top chicken breeds for those seeking a quiet flock. Each breed comes with unique qualities that make it not only quieter but also easy to raise and enjoyable to have around.
The Quietest Chicken Breeds
1. Silkie
Silkies are renowned for their fluffy, fur-like feathers and sweet demeanor. These gentle birds are some of the quietest chickens you can own, making them perfect for small backyards or urban areas.
- Why They Made the List: Silkies are docile and tend to communicate in soft, low murmurs rather than loud clucks. Their calm nature extends to their interactions with humans and other flock members. They are also small, which contributes to their quieter presence.
- Additional Perks: Silkies are great for families with children due to their cuddly personalities, and they lay small but beautiful cream-colored eggs.
2. Australorp
The Australorp is a calm and dependable breed, known for its egg-laying prowess and easygoing attitude.
- Why They Made the List: These birds are known for their quiet demeanor, clucking softly as they go about their day. They are rarely aggressive and adapt well to confined spaces without causing a ruckus.
- Additional Perks: Australorps are excellent layers, often producing up to 250 eggs per year, making them a practical choice for quiet flock owners who also want reliable egg production.
3. Cochin
Cochins are large, fluffy chickens with feathered feet and a reputation for being some of the calmest birds around.
- Why They Made the List: Their size might be imposing, but their personality is anything but. Cochins are gentle giants who cluck quietly and rarely cause disturbances.
- Additional Perks: Cochins are great brooders, which makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking to hatch their own chicks.
4. Wyandotte
Wyandottes are beautiful, dual-purpose birds that are as quiet as they are striking.
- Why They Made the List: These birds tend to be less vocal than other breeds and are generally calm and reserved in their behavior. They tolerate confinement well, making them a good choice for suburban backyards.
- Additional Perks: Wyandottes are hardy birds that thrive in a variety of climates and lay a steady supply of medium-sized brown eggs.
5. Orpington (Buff Orpington)
Buff Orpingtons are a favorite among backyard chicken keepers for their friendly nature and versatility.
- Why They Made the List: These birds are famously quiet and gentle, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their clucking is subdued and infrequent, making them an ideal choice for quiet flocks.
- Additional Perks: Orpingtons are excellent layers and hardy birds, thriving in both cold and warm climates.
6. Brahma
Another gentle giant, the Brahma, is known for its calm disposition and quiet behavior.
- Why They Made the List: Despite their large size, Brahmas are incredibly serene and rarely make loud noises. They are patient and get along well with other flock members, even in smaller spaces.
- Additional Perks: Brahmas are great winter layers and provide a reliable source of eggs even during the colder months.
7. Salmon Faverolle
Salmon Faverolles are charming and quirky chickens that bring personality to any flock without excessive noise.
- Why They Made the List: These birds have a quiet temperament and are content to cluck softly as they forage or interact with their flockmates.
- Additional Perks: With their distinctive feathered feet and beards, Faverolles add a unique visual appeal to your flock. They also lay a decent number of light pinkish eggs.
8. Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock)
Plymouth Rocks are reliable, friendly birds with a reputation for being steady and calm.
- Why They Made the List: While they may occasionally cluck when laying, their noise level is far lower than many other breeds. They are easygoing and adapt well to a variety of environments.
- Additional Perks: Plymouth Rocks are excellent layers, producing large brown eggs consistently throughout the year.
9. Java
Javas are an older heritage breed that combines utility with a calm demeanor.
- Why They Made the List: These birds are quiet and easy to manage, rarely causing disturbances. Their calm nature makes them ideal for multi-breed flocks or families with children.
- Additional Perks: Javas are great foragers and do well in free-range environments while still laying a steady supply of eggs.
10. Easter Egger
Known for their colorful eggs, Easter Eggers are a playful and friendly addition to any flock.
- Why They Made the List: While they have bubbly personalities, their noise level is minimal, making them a good choice for anyone who values quiet.
- Additional Perks: Easter Eggers lay eggs in a rainbow of colors, from blue to green, adding a fun twist to your breakfast table.
Choosing the right breed for your flock can make a world of difference when it comes to maintaining peace and quiet. Whether you’re looking for a docile bird that’s great with kids or a reliable egg-layer with a calm personality, these breeds offer the best of both worlds. Remember that individual chickens may vary, and proper care, space, and attention can contribute to a happy and tranquil flock.
P.S. – The Loudest Chicken Breeds
While some chickens are naturally quiet, others are known for their noisy habits. If you’re looking to avoid the loudest breeds, steer clear of these chatterboxes:
- Rhode Island Red
- Leghorn
- Polish
- Guinea Fowl (technically not chickens but worth noting for their noise level!)
Want to know more about the loudest chicken breeds and why they’re so vocal? Check out our next article here!
