I have a 3 yr old Barred rock who is top hen in my group of three. She has recently started crowing. She has always been vocal, but the crowing sounds just like a rooster. I live in the suburbs, so this is a big problem. I usually let them out to free range a bit, when I get home from work and she seems to do it when I am late and she can see me in the house. I started to respond immediately, but I don't want to train her that crowing works to get attention. She is very nice and does not act aggressive towards me or other chickens (other than necessary to retain her ranking).
Is there anything I can do to curb this behavior? Once they start does this usually continue? She is a VERY smart chicken, could I train her somehow? I have trained her to do several tricks which is easy because she is very food motivated, but I don't know how to train her NOT to do something. Any advice is welcome.
Is there anything I can do to curb this behavior? Once they start does this usually continue? She is a VERY smart chicken, could I train her somehow? I have trained her to do several tricks which is easy because she is very food motivated, but I don't know how to train her NOT to do something. Any advice is welcome.