Conditioning a Rooster not to Crow

[geekulus]

Hi everyone,

I live in an area where roosters aren't allowed and there are some restrictions on hens, so I want to avoid neighbours complaining. I either have to find a way to shut it up or it's likely to end up as dinner (but I don't want to kill it).

I've tried blasting my rooster with the hose whenever it crows, did that six times in a row and it's shut up for now. I'll repeat it whenever it crows again. Does anyone know whether this is effective?

 

[ChickInDelight]

Stick to the law and keep only hens. The crow is actually the nicest part of rooster behavior. Re-home or stew him.

 

[geekulus]

I hold my own morals above the law - a non-crowing rooster on my property does not hurt anyone.

Anyway, I'm just curious if conditioning works for stopping a rooster from crowing, worst comes to worst, I'll stew it.

 

[TXchickmum]

I'd say that instinct will win out on this deal. -don't think that any rooster will ever refrain from crowing. Spraying him with water will more than likely just agitate him. (I have 2 roos, and simply bring them indoors into a chicken-friendly utility room every morning for a bit. They happily crow without disturbing the neighbors. We haven't any restrictions against roos other than a noise ordinance which is applicable to all pets, though.) I agree with the above poster - the crow is a wonderful characteristic of the rooster. -and, I am pleased that they always sound a nice alarm to alert my hens to danger. They are valuable to the flock because of it.

 

[theoldchick]

Nope. Won't work. As soon as you are out of the rooster's sight he will crow.

 

[7L Farm]

Mine crows every morning at 530 AM & continues crowing through out the day. That's what roosters do they crow. I'd save your water your just punishing him for something that they do its his instinct to crow. Best advice is get rid of him don't spray him with water that's being mean to him he has no idea what your trying to accomplish.

 

[dainerra]

yes, the "best" possible outcome is that he will not crow while you are around - IE think that you are head roo. However, that is only helpful if you stay outside with him 24/7. Crowing is an integral part of chicken communication. It's how they gather the hens, how they warn of danger, etc etc. Even if it could be done, I think it would be incredibly cruel. You would be removing an essential part of his life.

I won't get into the belief that what you want is more important than what the law is. Attitudes like that can lead to your community banning chickens completely.

ETA: I say 24/7 because it's not uncommon for roosters to crow at night as well - if they see a light or if they are disturbed by something.

Think of it this way - I could very easily condition a human to never speak. but would they be happy?

 

[Kansas Prairie]

I hold my own morals above the law - a non-crowing rooster on my property does not hurt anyone.

Anyway, I'm just curious if conditioning works for stopping a rooster from crowing, worst comes to worst, I'll stew it.

What is your need for a rooster? Hens will lay eggs with or without a rooster.
If one thinks a rooster does not hurt anyone one maybe thinking about the Disney version of a rooster.
Conditioning doesn't stop a rooster from crowing.

It's great that you came to this site with your questions!
Farm folks don't always coat everything with sugar so try to take the advice given on this site without getting your feelings hurt.
Have a great day!

 

[katescountryfarm]

A rooster will always crow. I think of it as their communication. Luckily we live where we can have roosters because mine are LOUD.

 

[downsm75]

I have a rooster (or 10) for three reasons. I'm HORRIBLE at sexing chickens, I LOVE their crow, and they protect the few hens I (think) I have. I SERIOUSLY need to learn how to tell boys from girls here!