While chickens are beloved for their charm, eggs, and personalities, not all breeds are suited for quiet backyards. Some chickens are notoriously noisy, making their presence well known with frequent clucking, crowing, and squawking. Whether it’s their natural disposition, high energy levels, or specific needs, certain breeds are significantly louder than others.
If you’re looking to keep your neighbors happy or maintain a serene backyard, you may want to avoid the following breeds. However, if you enjoy lively, talkative birds or live in a remote area where noise isn’t an issue, these breeds might still find a place in your flock.
The Loudest Chicken Breeds
1. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Reds are famous for their excellent egg-laying abilities and bold personalities, but they are also known for their loud, frequent clucking.
- Why They’re So Noisy: Rhode Island Reds are highly active and vocal about their needs. Whether they’re laying an egg, hungry, or just curious about their environment, they tend to cluck loudly to communicate.
- Fun Fact: Their assertiveness can make them great leaders in a flock, but it also means they’re not shy about making noise.
2. Leghorn
Leghorns are prolific egg layers, but their vocal habits can be overwhelming for some flock owners.
- Why They’re So Noisy: Leghorns are high-energy birds that constantly chatter as they forage and explore. When laying eggs or startled, their squawks can become piercing.
- Fun Fact: Their noisy demeanor pairs with their nervous energy, so they tend to be more alert and vocal about perceived threats.
3. Polish
Known for their striking feather crests, Polish chickens are an eye-catching breed—but they’re also known to be quite loud.
- Why They’re So Noisy: Polish chickens are naturally curious and easily startled due to their reduced vision from their extravagant head feathers. This makes them prone to loud squawking and chattering whenever they sense movement or uncertainty.
- Fun Fact: Despite their loudness, they are fun and quirky additions to a flock, often entertaining with their antics.
4. Guinea Fowl (Honorable Mention)
Although not technically chickens, guinea fowl are often raised alongside chickens. Their noise levels are unparalleled in the poultry world.
- Why They’re So Noisy: Guinea fowl have a natural inclination to call out loudly, whether to alert the flock to danger or just because they’ve found something interesting. Their repetitive, high-pitched calls can be heard over long distances.
- Fun Fact: They’re excellent at pest control, often used to keep tick populations in check, but their constant chatter might drive some owners crazy.
5. Hamburg
Hamburg chickens are elegant and energetic, known for their beauty and liveliness.
- Why They’re So Noisy: Their high energy and love of activity often translate into frequent clucking and squawking. They are constantly on the move and like to “talk” about it.
- Fun Fact: These birds are exceptional free-rangers, but their chatter can be hard to ignore if you prefer a quieter flock.
6. Ancona
With their striking black-and-white plumage, Anconas are often admired for their beauty, but they’re also one of the more vocal breeds.
- Why They’re So Noisy: These birds are active and inquisitive, and they love to communicate with their flockmates and humans. They are particularly chatty when foraging or encountering something new.
- Fun Fact: Their noisy nature pairs with their adaptability, as they’re great free-range birds who thrive in varied environments.
7. Gamefowl (Old English and Modern Game)
Gamefowl breeds, known for their sleek appearance and history in cockfighting, tend to have bold personalities and loud calls.
- Why They’re So Noisy: These breeds are highly territorial and vocalize frequently to assert dominance or warn of perceived threats. Roosters, in particular, are exceptionally loud.
- Fun Fact: While loud, they are excellent foragers and tend to be more self-sufficient than many other breeds.
8. Roosters (All Breeds)
It’s worth noting that roosters of any breed can be the loudest members of a flock. Their iconic crowing can be heard at all hours of the day (and sometimes night). Some roosters are more persistent crowers than others, but noise is a given with any male chicken.
Why Are Some Chickens Louder Than Others?
The noise levels of chickens are influenced by several factors:
- Breed Disposition: Certain breeds are naturally more vocal due to their high energy levels or temperament.
- Environmental Triggers: Chickens may become louder when they feel threatened, hungry, or stressed.
- Communication Needs: Chickens “talk” to their flock to share information, from announcing an egg to signaling danger.
How to Manage Noisy Chickens
If you already have some of these louder breeds, there are ways to manage their noise:
- Provide Enrichment: Keep chickens entertained with toys, fresh forage, and plenty of space to reduce boredom-related squawking.
- Meet Their Needs: Ensure they have access to food, water, and clean nesting boxes to prevent noisy complaints.
- Position Coops Strategically: Place coops farther from neighbors or insulate them to muffle noise.
Conclusion
Chickens can bring joy, entertainment, and fresh eggs to your life, but it’s important to consider noise levels when selecting breeds. While the breeds on this list may not be the best choice for quiet backyards, they can still thrive in environments where noise isn’t a concern.
P.S. – Want a Quiet Flock Instead?
If noise is a dealbreaker, check out our article on The Best Chicken Breeds for a Quiet Flock, where we list the calmest, softest-clucking birds perfect for serene settings.
