Quick Loud Squawk for no reason?

[5Leepy!]

Hi there... the last couple of days I've noticed my hens every once in a while will let out one short loud squawk for no reason. The other hens don't seem to notice or react and when it happens another hen is not close enough to have pecked her. I've seen/heard at least 2 out of the 3 do it. Maybe all 3. Not very often but here and there. Any reason for this?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[caspernc]

Mine make all kinds f noises that I wonder about. When I walk into the coop everyone seems to growl like I'm the bad guy, what? I have oatmeal! But I have thought they would like something else....AND they didn't......so maybe they are saying, "What is she giving us today, grrrrrrr...whatgrrrr...whatgrr.....!

 

[centrarchid]

I am guessing no rooster is present? If correct then likely attempt to get a roosters attention. My hens, when coming off nest after laying an egg, produce the loud almost spontaneous squawk. Rooster comes running when he is in ear shot. No rooster then sound produced much more often.

 

[DaughterOfEve]

some just like o hollar. I have one tht sqwaks whenever another hen gets in a nest box, lays an egg. She protests every little thing. I sometimes wonder if they don't get bit by a deer fly from time to time and squawk out or surprise or pain. Just a thought.

 

[Konza]

Mine do it when they're hungry, but I haven't given them any crumbles yet. Like first thing in the morning when I let them out to free range.

That could very well be the attention-getting squawk. "Foodbringer, where is the food you were supposed to bring??"

 

[5Leepy!]

Quote:
No rooster but we've only had them about 2 months and they had a rooster at their previous home. Your description of "spontaneous squawk" is spot on, I think you're on to something, thanks!

My girls are pretty vocal but the volume is usually soft. They greet me when I come out, complain if I don't have treats, complain if I have treats but I'm not quick enough about it, etc... One even makes a big fuss anytime someone else is laying. She's the top hen and it sounds like she doesn't want anyone laying except her! This spontaneous squawk thing is LOUD. I was thinking, "did she stub her toe or something?"

Thanks for all the input everyone! These chickens are FASCINATING, aren't they? I'm just glued to their every move and mood. Who would've thunk it? I'm actually SCARED of birds. Lolololol

5Leepy!

 

[5Leepy!]

Quote:
I like to think of this as them purring but that's just my spin.