The Ultimate Comprehensive Guide to Quiet Backyard Chickens: Breeds, Management, and Neighbor-Approved Tips

Last Tuesday, my neighbor Karen knocked on my door with a worried look. “Are those your chickens I hear every morning?” she asked. My heart sank – until she added, “Because they’re so quiet, I’m thinking of getting some myself!” That’s when I realized I’d accidentally stumbled upon the secret of choosing the right breeds for suburban life.

I’ll be honest with you. The idea of keeping chickens can be pretty intimidating when you live in a city or a close-knit neighborhood. You start imagining a flock of clucking, cackling birds, and your mind immediately goes to noise complaints and angry letters from the HOA. But what if I told you there’s a whole world of peaceful, laid-back chicken breeds out there that are quieter than the mourning doves that already live in your backyard oak tree? This isn’t just about avoiding a legal hassle; it’s about creating a peaceful, self-sustaining sanctuary in your own backyard.

In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned after years of keeping chickens in a suburban setting. We’ll dive into the best breeds for noise-conscious chicken keeping, how to manage noise, and I’ll even share some of my own funny mistakes along the way. Stick with me, because this is the complete guide to starting a happy, suburban-friendly poultry flock that won’t get you on your neighbors’ bad side.

Understanding Backyard Chicken Noise Levels

Before we get into the breeds, you might be wondering… why do chickens even make noise? It’s a good question. It’s not just a bunch of random clucks and cackles. It’s actually a pretty complex language they use to talk to each other and you. Understanding the different sounds they make is the first step toward noise-conscious chicken keeping.

Why Chickens Make Noise: A Translator’s Guide

• Natural Communication: A soft, steady clucking is just them “chatting.” It’s the sound of a happy hen looking for grubs or just telling her flock mates where she is. It’s a gentle, peaceful barnyard bird sound.
• The Infamous Egg Song: This is the big one, and it’s the most common complaint from neighbors. The “egg song” is a loud, excited series of cackles that happens right after a hen lays an egg. It’s like she’s a celebrity shouting, “I’m a rock star! I just did a thing! I’m amazing!” It’s a celebratory announcement. While generally quieter than roosters, a hen’s post-laying “egg song” can still be considered considerable noise in a suburban setting. Even with a calm breed, you might have 15 hens all laying eggs in one day and cackling for twenty minutes each. That’s a lot of cackling! But luckily, they don’t always celebrate. Oftentimes they lay eggs quietly like good hens, and sometimes days will go by without a single cackle. Other days, they. don’t. shut. up.
• Alarm Calls: When a chicken sees something spooky—a hawk overhead, a stray cat, or even just a falling leaf that looks suspicious—they’ll let out a piercing, high-pitched squawk to warn everyone. It’s their way of saying, “Heads up, everyone!”
• Broody Hen’s Growl: When a hen is determined to sit on her eggs (we call this being “broody”), she’ll make a low, guttural growling noise to warn you away from the nesting box. It’s not loud, but it is an interesting vocalization that signals her mood.
• Rooster vs. Hen Noise: Let me clarify this: a hen’s cluck is nothing like a rooster’s crow. A hen’s backyard chickens noise level is generally manageable, but a rooster’s crow is a territorial announcement that can be incredibly loud and happens multiple times a day, not just at dawn. It’s loud enough to wake the neighbors, and trust me, you don’t want that.

Factors That Affect Noise Levels

The breed itself is a huge factor, of course, but a chicken’s environment and mood play a big role, too. I’ll be honest, I’ve had a naturally quiet breed that became noisy because I didn’t address its needs.

• Genetics & Temperament: Some breeds, like low-noise hens, are just naturally more laid-back and reserved. They’re the introverts of the chicken world. This is why breed selection is so important.
• The Environment: A quiet, stress-free environment leads to more silent chicken varieties. If they’re constantly spooked by traffic, noisy kids, or other pets, they’ll be louder. A calm setting can reduce alarm calls significantly.
• Their Home: A cramped, hot, or uncomfortable coop can cause a lot of stress, which can lead to more vocal chickens. Giving them a spacious coop and run and some fun boredom busters like a hanging cabbage or a chicken swing can keep them happy and quiet. An overcrowded coop is a recipe for unhappy—and loud—birds.

This brings me to the most important decision you’ll make for a quiet flock: choosing the right chickens. Let’s dive into the quietest chicken breeds that have earned their reputation as the most peaceful members of the poultry world.

My Top 16 Quietest Chicken Breeds

I’ve personally tried five different breeds and my chicken mentor (yes, that’s a thing) has helped me research dozens more. Here are the 16 best breeds for people who want to keep the peace.

Key Traits of a Quiet Chicken Breed

Before we get to the list, let’s talk about what makes a breed “quiet.” It’s not just about how often they cluck. You’re looking for birds with:

• A calm and docile temperament: Flocks with these birds are less likely to have fights and squabbles that lead to loud squawking.
• Heavyset body types: Heavier birds tend to be less flighty and more relaxed.
• Low “egg song” volume: Some hens have a naturally quieter post-laying celebration.
• Good maternal instincts: Breeds that are naturally “broody” and protective of their young tend to be less interested in making a racket.

The Bantam Advantage: Small Birds, Small Voices

This is one of the most important things to know when choosing a quiet chicken breed. Bantam breeds, which are miniature versions of their full-sized counterparts, tend to match their smaller size with smaller voices. A bantam’s cluck or cackle is naturally less powerful and lower in volume than that of a standard-sized hen. If noise is a top concern for you, choosing a bantam breed is an excellent way to guarantee a quieter flock. The breeds listed below are well-known for their quiet tendencies, based on my personal experience and research into these smaller birds.

1. The Buff Orpington: The Fluffy Church Mouse

• Breed Overview: These are the big, fluffy, golden-colored teddy bears of the chicken world. They’re from England and they’re just… sweet. They’re a true dual-purpose breed, great for both eggs and meat, but it’s their personality that makes them a top choice.
• Noise Level: 1/5 (Quiet as a church mouse.)
• Egg Production: They’re great layers, giving you about 180-200 large brown eggs a year. While not a top-tier producer, this is a fair trade-off for their amazing temperament.
• Temperament: They are exceptionally docile and calm. They walk around like they’re wearing fluffy bedroom slippers. They don’t mind being picked up and are genuinely a peaceful barnyard bird. They’re basically the pet dogs of the chicken world. My friend’s Buff Orpington, “Peaches,” lets her kids carry her around like a baby. As noted by the University of Illinois Extension, Orpingtons are “among the calmest chickens” and make excellent pets for families. They’re often referred to as the “golden retrievers of the chicken world” for their friendly and loving nature.
• Special Note: Because of their fluffy feathers, they can be susceptible to heat, so make sure they have a shady spot and fresh water during a summer heat wave.

2. The Australorp: The Stealthy Egg Machine

• Breed Overview: These are beautiful, glossy black hens from Australia. They are a sturdy, active bird, but they have a wonderfully laid-back nature. They hold the world record for egg production (a single hen laid 364 eggs in a 365-day period!), so you’re not sacrificing production for quietness.
• Noise Level: 2/5 (Very Quiet).
• Egg Production: My Australorp, “Betty,” lays her daily egg around 10 AM with barely a peep – just a soft, satisfied “buk-buk” that’s quieter than my coffee maker. She’s given us 287 eggs this year (yes, I keep track in my phone notes like a chicken nerd).
• Temperament: They’re known for being calm, docile chickens, and very gentle. They’re curious but not loud or flighty. They’re the kind of bird you can sit and watch peacefully all day. As noted by the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Australorps have a “calm and docile disposition” which makes them “perfect for backyard operations.”
• Special Note: The old-timer at the feed store told me they were one of the best egg-laying chickens for noise restrictions, and he was absolutely right. They are a fantastic choice for any backyard, especially urban areas.

3. The Barred Plymouth Rock: The All-American Gentle Giant

• Breed Overview: This is a classic American heritage breed with beautiful black-and-white striped feathers. They’re sturdy, friendly, and a true dual-purpose bird.
• Noise Level: 2/5 (Very Quiet).
• Egg Production: They are great layers, producing approximately 200-250 large brown eggs a year, even through the cold winter months.
• Temperament: They’re friendly, outgoing, and curious, but they don’t make a fuss. They’re not easily spooked and tend to stay calm in most situations. They are a great choice for backyard beginners. My first Barred Plymouth Rock, “Penny,” was the most chill bird in my flock. She’d follow me around the yard like a little puppy.
• Special Note: They are extremely cold-hardy, making them an excellent choice for northern climates.

4. The Java: The Dignified Heritage Breed

• Breed Overview: Javas are one of America’s oldest chicken breeds, a true heritage bird with a solid, upright build. They are known for their calm nature and dignified personality. They are noted on the Livestock Conservancy’s list as a quiet breed, adding to their appeal for noise-conscious keepers.
• Noise Level: 2/5 (Very Quiet).
• Egg Production: They are decent layers, producing around 150-200 medium to large brown eggs a year.
• Temperament: They are known for their quiet and gentle disposition. They are a perfect choice for those who want a calm flock that won’t cause a stir.
• Special Note: The Java breed is very cold-hardy and a good forager, making them easy to care for in various environments.

5. The Brahma: The Fluffy-Footed Serenity

• Breed Overview: These are the “gentle giants” of the chicken world. They’re massive, fluffy, and have feathered feet, which makes them look like they’re wearing fancy pants.
• Noise Level: 1/5 (Extremely Quiet).
• Egg Production: They are decent layers, providing around 150-180 medium to large brown eggs per year. Their superpower is their cold hardiness, making them one of the best winter layers, even known best from October through May. You can expect them to produce consistently from October through May.
• Temperament: Brahmas are famously placid and easy-going. Their quiet nature makes them one of the most docile chickens you can find.
• Special Note: Because of their feathered feet, they’re not a good fit for muddy climates. A clean, well-drained run is essential to keep their feet healthy.

6. The Nankin Bantam: The Tiny Broody

• Breed Overview: One of the oldest true bantams, meaning there’s no larger version of the breed. They are small, hardy, and have a rich history. They are a great choice for those with limited space who still want a taste of history in their flock.
• Noise Level: 1/5 (Extremely Quiet).
• Egg Production: They are not known for their eggs, producing a very small number of tinted eggs per year. Their true purpose is for their demeanor and as excellent broody hens.
• Temperament: Nankins are known for their docile and calm personalities. Their tiny size makes their vocalizations incredibly low-volume, a perfect example of the bantam advantage. They’re excellent mothers and will happily sit on a clutch of eggs, whether their own or another hen’s.
• Special Note: Because they are so small, they can be more susceptible to predators and should be kept in a secure enclosure.

7. The Plymouth Rock Bantam: The Small but Mighty

• Breed Overview: This is the bantam version of the popular Barred Plymouth Rock. They have the same beautiful plumage and friendly nature, just in a much smaller, quieter package.
• Noise Level: 2/5 (Very Quiet).
• Egg Production: For their size, they are good layers, producing a decent number of small, light brown eggs.
• Temperament: Like their full-sized counterparts, they are friendly, outgoing, and curious without being loud or flighty. They are a great choice for families and beginners in urban settings. This is a great example of a bantam that maintains the best traits of its larger version but with a much lower voice.
• Special Note: This is an ideal breed for someone who loves the look and personality of the full-size Barred Rock but needs a smaller, quieter bird.

8. The Rosecomb Bantam: The Dapper Companion

• Breed Overview: This ornamental breed is all about style. With its large, showy rose comb and beautiful feathering, the Rosecomb Bantam is a dapper and very small bird.
• Noise Level: 2/5 (Very Quiet).
• Egg Production: They are poor layers, offering only a small number of tiny eggs each year. They are kept primarily for their stunning appearance.
• Temperament: While some can be a bit skittish, they are generally quiet and docile. Their small size means their vocalizations are very faint. They are not prone to being loud and are perfect as backyard pets.
• Special Note: Their large combs can be prone to frostbite, so they need a well-insulated coop in colder climates.

9. The Sebright Bantam: The Living Work of Art

• Breed Overview: This breed is a true showstopper with its unique black or gold lacing on every feather. They are a small, upright, and stunningly beautiful bird.
• Noise Level: 2/5 (Very Quiet).
• Egg Production: Like the Rosecomb, they are poor layers, producing only a few small, creamy white eggs per year.
• Temperament: They are generally quiet and calm, but can be a bit more active and skittish than some of the other bantam breeds. However, their small size ensures that even their alarm calls are not overly loud.
• Special Note: Their stunning appearance makes them a favorite for enthusiasts and a beautiful, quiet addition to any backyard.

10. The Wyandotte: The Beautiful and Dependable

• Breed Overview: These are beautiful, stout birds that come in a variety of colors. They have a rose comb and a wide, rounded body. They are a great choice for both eggs and companionship.
• Noise Level: 2/5 (Very Quiet).
• Egg Production: Wyandottes are excellent year-round layers, producing around 200-250 brown eggs annually.
• Temperament: They are generally sweet and amiable, but I’ll be honest with you – my Wyandotte, Henrietta, apparently didn’t get the memo about being quiet and can get a little chatty. So be aware there can be some individual variation.
• Special Note: Their dense feathering and rose comb make them very cold-hardy. It’s also worth noting that rare varieties like the White Wyandotte can bring a premium price from breeders.

11. The Cochin: The Gentle Fluffball

• Breed Overview: These birds are basically feathered ottoman footstools with legs. They’re big, fluffy, and are often kept as pets because of their personality.
• Noise Level: 1/5 (Extremely Quiet).
• Egg Production: They are not the best layers, giving you only about 150-180 small to medium eggs a year.
• Temperament: Cochins are known for their incredibly docile and gentle demeanor. They are calm, friendly, and have a quiet personality. Penn State Extension notes that “Cochins and Orpingtons tend to be docile” and are good choices for urban environments.
• Special Note: They are famous for being broody—that’s when they want to sit on their eggs all the time. If you want to hatch chicks, a Cochin is an excellent choice.

12. The Sussex (Speckled Sussex): The Curious Explorer

• Breed Overview: These are active, curious birds from England with beautiful speckled feathers. They are a dual-purpose breed that is well-suited for free-ranging.
• Noise Level: 3/5 (Moderately Quiet).
• Egg Production: Sussex hens are great layers, producing around 200-250 large, light brown eggs per year.
• Temperament: Their temperament can vary. Some are calm and quiet, but others can be a bit more boisterous and have been known to “screech” when they’re excited. My friend’s Sussex hen, “Patsy,” gets very loud when she sees a cat.
• Special Note: As a general rule, the more active breeds like the Sussex tend to be more vocal.

13. The Silkie: The Bantam Pet

• Breed Overview: These are small, fluffy chickens with black skin and five toes. They look like a character from a Dr. Seuss book and are just darling. They are a bantam breed, which means they are naturally small.
• Noise Level: 1/5 (Extremely Quiet).
• Egg Production: Don’t get a Silkie for eggs. They only give you about 100-120 small, cream-colored eggs a year.
• Temperament: Silkies are incredibly sweet, docile, and gentle. Their quiet nature makes them fantastic pets, and as a bantam, their vocalizations are naturally very low volume. Their crow, if you have a rooster, sounds more like someone stepped on a squeeze toy.
• Special Note: Because they’re a small, quiet chicken breed, they’re perfect for small backyards. Their fluffy feathers are not waterproof, so they need a dry coop in wet weather.

14. The Faverolles: The Quirky Gentleman

• Breed Overview: This is a charming French breed known for its fluffy beard, muffs, and five toes. They are a gentle, quirky, and calm poultry breed.
• Noise Level: 2/5 (Very Quiet).
• Egg Production: They are decent layers, providing around 180-200 medium brown eggs a year, even in cold weather.
• Temperament: Faverolles are very docile and have a quiet, peaceful nature. They’re often described as being clumsy but charming.
• Special Note: Their fluffy beards and muffs can get messy, so be ready to do a little cleaning around their face.

15. The Salmon Faverolles: The Mellow Bantam

• Breed Overview: A delightful variety of the Faverolles, these birds are particularly known for their gentle and mellow nature. They are a great pet for families with children.
• Noise Level: 1/5 (Extremely Quiet).
• Egg Production: They are decent layers, providing around 150-180 medium brown eggs a year.
• Temperament: They are exceptionally quiet, friendly, and docile, even more so than some other Faverolles varieties. They are known for being good with kids and are a truly serene addition to any flock. As a bantam, their small size directly contributes to their low-volume calls.
• Special Note: Their soft and quiet demeanor makes them one of the best choices for small, urban yards where noise is a major consideration.

16. The Delaware: The Gentle Contradiction

• Breed Overview: This is a dual-purpose American heritage breed with beautiful white feathers and striking black barring on the neck and tail. They were originally bred as a broiler chicken and are known for their fast growth and a friendly, inquisitive nature.
• Noise Level: 3/5 (Moderately Quiet).
• Egg Production: They are excellent layers, producing around 200-280 large, brown eggs per year.
• Temperament: Delawares are generally calm and friendly birds. They are curious and love to forage, but they aren’t typically flighty or aggressive. Their overall quiet temperament is a major reason they appear on many “quietest chicken” lists.
• Special Note: The key to their nuance is their egg song. While they are docile, their post-laying announcement is often very loud and insistent, which can be a point of contention in noise-sensitive areas. You get a calm bird with a loud “I’ve laid an egg!” call.

The Quietest Rooster Breeds (For Those Who Can Have Them)

While most urban areas prohibit roosters due to noise, some rural or semi-rural areas do allow them. If your local laws permit it, choosing a quiet rooster can make all the difference. While no rooster is truly silent, some are far less boisterous than others.

The Lavender Orpington Rooster

• Quiet Crow: While there is no formal consensus on the quietest rooster, in my experience and through anecdotal reports from other keepers, the Lavender Orpington rooster is often noted for a significantly lower-volume crow than other breeds. Their crows are often described as more of a guttural, muffled call rather than a piercing shriek. While it still occurs, it’s often less frequent and less likely to carry a great distance, making them an excellent choice for a more noise-sensitive environment.
• Temperament: Like their hen counterparts, the roosters are exceptionally docile and gentle. They are not prone to aggression and are generally calm and placid, making them a good addition to a mixed flock.
• Appearance: Their stunning, soft, gray-blue feathers make them a beautiful and striking bird in any flock.
• Pro Tip: Remember that a quiet rooster is still a rooster. Their crowing can be a normal part of their day, so even with this breed, you should still consider your neighbors and the location of your coop.

The Nuanced Breeds: Quiet Temperament, Loud Egg Song

Some breeds are generally calm and docile, but their overall quiet nature is contradicted by one specific, high-volume vocalization, such as a particularly loud “egg song.” These breeds may appear on some quiet lists but can still be a source of noise in sensitive environments.

• Ameraucanas and Easter Eggers: These breeds are a classic example of this contradiction. Their general disposition is calm, friendly, and docile, making them great pets. However, their signature “egg song” can be a very loud, high-pitched vocalization that is more of a shriek or cackle than a gentle song. In fact, quite a few chicken keepers state that their Easter Egger hens are the loudest birds they own. The volume and frequency of this post-laying celebration is what gives them a mixed reputation.
• Rhode Island Reds: There is a lot of conflicting information about the temperament of Rhode Island Reds. While some sources describe them as “quiet and docile” and include them on quiet lists due to their generally calm nature, others find them to be more boisterous and demanding. Their vocalizations can be more frequent and insistent than other breeds on this list. This is a case where the temperament can vary widely from bird to bird, and they may be a good fit for a backyard, but they are not the quietest choice.
• Delawares: As noted in the main list, Delawares have a quiet and friendly disposition. However, their most common vocalization is a very loud and insistent egg song. Because of this, they are often left off of “quietest” lists and are better suited for a less noise-sensitive environment.

For these breeds, the key is to understand the trade-off. You might get a calm, lovely bird for most of the day, but be prepared for a very loud post-laying announcement.

Practical Tips for a Quieter Flock

While choosing a quiet breed is the most important step, there are other things you can do to keep your chickens happy and, in turn, less vocal.

• Provide a Proper Dust Bathing Area: A dust bath isn’t just for cleaning; it’s a chicken’s way of relaxing. A happy, clean, and content chicken is less likely to be stressed and noisy. Give the flock an area that has a mixture of sand, wood ash, and dry dirt. They will spend hours rolling around in it, and the sight of them doing so is a great stress reliever for you, too!
• Give Them Plenty of Space: An overcrowded coop or run can lead to stress, fighting, and loud squawking. Ensure your birds have enough room to move around comfortably and establish their pecking order without constant conflict.
• Offer Boredom Busters: A bored chicken can get vocal. Hang a head of cabbage, give them a pumpkin to peck at, or scatter treats in their run to keep them busy and happy.
• Soundproof Your Coop: For the most noise-sensitive areas, consider adding insulation or acoustic panels to your coop walls to muffle any sounds coming from inside.

Before You Buy: Choosing a Reputable Breeder and Checking Legal Matters

Picking out a fluffy chick is the fun part, but how you get them is just as important as what they are. A good breeder or hatchery can make all the difference in the world.

Finding a Reputable Breeder or Hatchery

• Ask for References: A good breeder should be happy to provide references from past customers.
• Check Reviews: Look for reviews on forums or local chicken groups.
• Ask About Temperament: When you call, ask them about the temperament of their birds. A good breeder will know the personality traits of each of their chickens.
• Ask About Health: Inquire about their health guarantee. A reputable hatchery will stand behind the health of their chicks. A healthy chicken is a happy chicken, and a happy chicken is a quiet chicken.

Legal Matters: Check Your Local Laws

Disclaimer: The information regarding local laws is for informational purposes only. Please consult your local municipal office and HOA guidelines for the most current and accurate regulations in your specific area.

This is a step you simply cannot skip. You need to know your local laws inside and out before you bring a single feather onto your property.

• Permit Requirements: Do you need a permit to keep chickens? Many urban areas do.
• Number of Hens: Is there a limit on how many hens you can keep?
• Rooster Ban: Is there a specific ban on roosters?
• Coop Placement: How far from a property line or a neighbor’s house does your coop needs to be?
• HOA Rules: If you live in an area with a homeowners’ association, check their specific rules. They often have stricter regulations than the city or county.

Don’t wait to find out these rules after a neighbor complains. A little research now can save you a huge headache later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Finding the perfect quiet chicken for your backyard is not just a pipe dream. By choosing a breed known for its calm and quiet demeanor, you can enjoy the benefits of a fresh egg supply without the stress of neighbor complaints. For beginners, my three top recommendations are the Buff Orpington, Australorp, and Brahma. They are gentle, they lay well, and they won’t wake the neighbors unless they’re light sleepers. According to a long-time poultry expert, “If you want a chicken that is more of a pet than a poultry bird, the Buff Orpington is a great choice” Source: Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens, by Gail Damerow

Remember, while breed characteristics are an an excellent guide, every chicken has a unique personality. By spending time with your flock, providing a stimulating environment, and being a thoughtful neighbor, you can ensure a quiet and happy experience for everyone involved. Good luck with your journey into the world of backyard poultry!

Oladepo

Oladepo Babatunde is the founder of ChickenStarter.com. He is a backyard chicken keeper and educator who specializes in helping beginners raise healthy flocks, particularly in warm climates. His expertise comes from years of hands-on experience building coops, treating common chicken ailments, and solving flock management issues. His own happy hens are a testament to his methods, laying 25-30 eggs weekly.