The meaning of squawking

[triplepurpose]

I've long noticed that the noise that hens make when they're laying is very similar to the noise that all chickens make when they sound the alarm for a predator or some other disturbance. But I've never heard anyone ask why this might be. Does anyone know, or care to hazard a theory about it?

 

[pinkwindsong]

good question Ive been told they have an Egg Song and thats what your hearing . why is another story best told by someone whos had them for a while

 

[triplepurpose]

Even though I grew up with chickens on the farm I've never heard an explanation... But I can't be the only person who's ever noticed this...

 

[2overeasy000]

I'm a newb. But, I can tell you what I've read. In the org. Jungle Fowl, they went off to lay their egg and it wasn't easy to find the rest of the flock in the jungle. So they would have to call to the rest of the flock once they had layed. Hundreds of years later = egg song.

 

[Gullygarden]

Still, the similarity to the alarm call is undeniable. Or do we just not catch some subtile difference? I have wondered about this too!

 

[centrarchid]

Egg song takes place as hen appraoches nest site preparing to lay egg. The aquawk occurs after egg layed. Some (my dominiques) squawk while still on nest while others (my American games and red jungle fowl) squawk when some distance from nest. I agree, the squawk may help hen reunite with flock. Purpose for egg song not so clear. It may be to inform flock members of intent to lay and the hens may intentionally point out nest location to fellow flock members. This would be a holdover from jungle fowl ancestors that parasitize each others nest.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Quote:
Agree for the most part. Closest explanation to what seems to happen. The "I'm alone and I need to find the rest of you" call is similar to the pre-lay call. It seems so odd that they stand outside the nesting box, staring in on another hen laying, carry on so with these audible cries. The whole thing reminds me more of fear, unease or concern than it does of any sense of pride of accomplishment or joy.

 

[annep]

I layed an egg! I layed an egg! Nanner nanner! You cant do it, silly humans! Come see what I did! It's the best I've layed yet!

sorry..I am actually quite tired of the egg song..on some days, Ill go out and throw them food just to get them to be quiet...heheheee