Q&A for How to Stop a Rooster from Crowing

Roosters tend to crow upon waking up, and since roosters tend to wake up prior to sunrise. We’re more likely to assume this is dawn than earlier because humans tend to wake up at dawn, not earlier. It’s likely their crowing is in part a response to waking up ("Hey guys! I’m awake now!") and when the sun starts to shine through their coop, they respond to the light as well. Also, early morning crowing is often a territorial and dominance establishing ritual, especially if there is more than one rooster or they can hear each other across different yards; it is the dominant rooster that crows first, followed by the subordinate roosters. As the morning goes on, most other forms of rooster crowing are likely forms of varied communications, like being bothered by something or showing off to the hens in courtship displays.

Roosters crow as a form of communication, just like humans talk to each other. Crowing can mean many different things, such as letting other roosters and hens know where they are, establishing dominance in the face of other roosters (telling then "this is my territory"), scaring away potential predators, showing off to the hens, responding to sounds they’ve heard (including roosters heard far away), reacting to light, etc.

A rooster crowing in the middle of the night might be responding to another rooster he has heard or perhaps he is dealing with a disturbance in the coop, like hens getting upset for some reason, a flash of a car light, or to warn the coop inhabitants of an intruder, like a fox. Roosters have an acute sense of hearing, so they’re easily disturbed and if so, they’re usually making a noise to either warn of or ward off possible dangers in the dark. Or, a rooster may just decide that having a bit of crow in the middle of the night will alleviate his boredom, especially if he wakes up early and the other chickens are still asleep.

Yes, roosters can crow all day. However, it is more noticeable in the morning, as some roosters really make a good show at this time of day. Roosters often crow in response to a number of things, like hearing other roosters, getting into a fight with other roosters or hens, showing off in front of the hens or warning off a competitor rooster. Of course, on occasions, the rooster might just feel like crowing!

There is no difference. They are the same thing.

Yes! Cock fighting is illegal in all 50 states. You should report them to your local animal control or law enforcement.

They will, but only when they are trying to establish dominance between the two of them.

You don't. Roosters can be good protectors for the chickens, but they are not necessary. Often people get roosters by mistake when they order hatchlings.

Contact the city hall in your area for advice.

Rooster collars are approved to be humane from the RSPCA. The velcro collar can only restrict the rooster from crowing loudly when worn. It should not affect crowing permanently unless the rooster is wearing one.

Roosters, by natural instinct, are protectors for their flock, and he might see you as a threat. Try feeding just the rooster, taking care not to make any sudden moves and noises until he feels comfortable around you.

Yes, the crow collar does not hurt the rooster or restrict it from performing daily activities. It just takes them time to adjust to the collar.

They can live 20-35 years, provided they are very well taken care of.

No. Some roosters are just crowers. There are a few products out there that claim to curb the crowing, but understand that they crow for a reason. They are alerting the flock of danger or staying in contact with them to make sure everyone is safe. It's best to rehome a rooster whom you find crows too much. It's instinct and can never be completely controlled.

You can't. Chickens are not really trainable.

If it is for the consumption of eggs you are worried about, it is safe to eat fertilized eggs as long as you refrigerate them immediately. This stops the development of the embryo. But, I would recommend having separate fenced off areas for the males and females to be free. Even possibly clipping the wings of the males (ask your vet for help with that). However, most chickens don't fly very well to begin with, and the fencing off areas might just do the trick.

Unfortunately, there is not such a thing. However, you could have a chat with your neighbor about their roosters. Also, check city rules; most cities and towns do not allow rooster ownership in confined spaces or at least have strict rules about where to situate the roosters and the amount to be owned by space. The neighbor can also purchase a ring to put around the rooster's neck to quieten the sound.

First, some hens do crow! I like to call it their egg laying song. If you have a rooster, she could be calling to him so he can find her. You could try removing the other hen to see if it helps, maybe she is trying to use her voice to feel "bigger" but without trying, you won't know. However, maybe she is just very proud of finishing with each egg lay and it's something that will keep happening for a time.

You will know if your chicken is a hen or a rooster at the age of 5 months. That is when a male starts crowing. You can also tell by the cone.

Because he is in charge now and he wants to fertilize her eggs just like other female chickens.

Yes, some veterinarians perform a procedure to remove the voice box of loud roosters to prevent re-homing them due to nuisance complaints. However, this procedure is very limited, and not all veterinarians offer the practice of voice box removal.

That ratio is too many, the roosters will kill the hen. 6 hens to every 1 rooster is the ratio.

Broodiness is often a phase adult hens go through when they decide they want chicks, usually between spring and summer. Fortunately, it isn't a permanent phase, and there are multiple methods to break a broody hen. For example, you can close off her nesting box or take her eggs from her. Read this wikiHow article for more: Break a Broody Hen .

The smell is likely coming from the ammonia buildup. It's important to clean the bedding in your poultry house at least once per day and replace it with fresh absorbent bedding. If you're not already, use wood shavings as your bedding. Give the poultry house a deep clean at least once a week.

You can purchase rooster collars in different sizes, including bantam size. Otherwise, most Velcro collars are adjustable. If the collar is too big for your rooster, it won't work, so it's important to buy the right size.