Suggestions for severe construction noise and how to destress the chickens

[Bawkbok]

Thank you all for your replies - this makes me feel so much better. As a new chicken momma this year, I never know what to expect with new experiences and circumstances. I worry about their safety and health all the time. I guess if we can survive two hurricanes, (amazing how loud powerful wind is) we'll certainly get through a lot of construction noise. I'll stock up on Yogi Stress Relief tea for myself and sit in the run with the girls watching the activity (with ear plugs).

 

[FrostRanger]

When we had construction nearby, mine didn't mind, if anything I think they liked the music the workers were playing. Yours will get used to the noise, I'd be more concerned about the lack of shade and address that before summer comes next year

 

[rosemarythyme]

Side note, I'm sorry about the trees being removed, breaks my heart too. It would be nice to keep an green area for a playground or a park for the neighborhood. It elevates an area so much.

Yeah that always sucks, especially if the trees are healthy and provide dappled shade and privacy for your property. I was worried when the neighbor next to me started clearing vegetation for a deck but thankfully they stopped before reaching the property line so there's still some large bushes and trees dividing the area.

 

[Bawkbok]

In hindsight, we should have bought the lot years ago when we first discussed doing that but we couldn't afford it. Regrets.

 

[angeldiver]

Hello all, Happy belated Thanksgiving.
To set the stage, we live in the city - close neighbors 30 feet away on either side and directly behind. Problem is this - the one lot behind our side yard is the only one left on the block with large trees. A builder bought the lot and it is staked out for development. They will begin destruction (removal) of all the trees (makes me angry) to build a new house. This is only 50 feet from the chicken run / coop. The noise will be extremely obnoxious from sunrise to sunset for weeks with constant beeping of heavy equipment, bucket trucks, chain saws, men yelling, loud music, skid steers, back hoes, large trees shaking the house and ground as they fall, etc. They've cleared 12 lots in a two block area in the past year for new houses. We could hear the noise inside the house with all the windows closed, AC on, TV for noise and it still stressed out our dogs (and me). What I am going to do with the chickens? They flinch and jump now when they hear a sudden loud unexpected noise from the people currently suffocating us. What can I do to help them manage the stress while this is happening? I suspect they will be starting next week. I'm so upset about this you guys, mostly because we lose the only treed lot around, which also provided badly needed shade for our yard, not to mention the significant loss of all the wildlife around (birds, coyotes, hawks, owls - all gone). I'm so disgusted but really concerned for the stress level of the pullets. What should I do? What would you do? Bringing them into the house is an option, but certainly not for weeks on end. Please don't tell me to move, I would have done that years ago if it were feasible; that's not currently an option. Thank you in advance.

We’ve been in a construction zone for the last 3+ years. We were the 3rd buyers in a new addition that now has about 50 houses. That hasn’t affected my girls at all. They’ll get used to it.

 

[Bawkbok]

We’ve been in a construction zone for the last 3+ years. We were the 3rd buyers in a new addition that now has about 50 houses. That hasn’t affected my girls at all. They’ll get used to it.

Thank you. Tree cutters were here the other day - girls were terrified by the noise level (close proximity), they huddled together in the back corner under the coop for the duration (hours). I sat with them for a while to watch the work and have a presence with the girls. Once the last truck left, they came out to drink. It's amazing how quickly they recovered. They are incredible creatures.
Sorry about your community building so quickly. We're in the same situation here.