The negative effects of noise on chickens

Chickens, like all vertebrates, are governed by a circadian rhythm that is governed by the natural light/dark cycle of day and night. As such, chickens mostly rest and are inactive at night, especially when it is dark.  Although they do rest during the daylight hours, most of their feeding and activity is performed during this time.   

Studies show that just as in humans, major abrupt changes to the day/night cycle of the chickens, such as waking up the chickens at night with loud noises, will lead to stressed and anxious chickens.

In addition, studies have shown that loud noises such as found near airports, rail road tracks or loud hydraulic or pneumatic equipment and machinery close to the chickens leads to lower egg production, stunted growth, higher blood pressure, stress and fatigue in the birds.  A study has shown that loud noise simulating noisy ventilation fans and operational machines found at slaughterhouses led to increased plasma corticosteroids, cholesterol and total protein.1 This study recommended the control of noise pollution near the chickens and chicks.

Other studies show that noise levels past the 85 dB level can lead to a decreased feed intake of between 15 to 25 per cent.  Lower feed intake stunts chicken growth — something the poultry farmer or processor does not want.

But all is not lost. Below are some tips and advice to reduce the noise level to an acceptable and healthier level leading to happier and healthier chickens – both psychologically and physically.

First identify the sources of noise pollution equipment. Use a sound measuring tool if necessary.

1. Erect sound barrier secondary glazing in windows.
2. Establish your chicken farm in a quiet area away from airports and industrial areas and rail yards.
3. Maintain your ventilation fans and feeding machines making sure they are not producing excess noise.
4. Try to buy machines that produce the least noise possible.
5. Avoid repairs and renovations with noisy equipment, especially during the rest and sleep hours of the chickens
6. Muffle noisy equipment.
7. Make sure that family members do not honk the car horn too often during chicken sleep hours.
8. Investigate “active noise control” – a noise cancelation anti-noise system that produces sound waves of the same amplitude as the noise pollution, but in opposite polarity causing a cancelling of the noise pollution.
9. Train employees and family members to respect the sleep hours of the chickens – they should not be screaming out to each other, joking etc. around sleeping chickens.

We simply see that it’s about common sense and respect. We need to respect the fact that chickens are living beings that need many of the same things that we need, including a good night’s sleep and some peace and quiet during the day. We just have to sensitize ourselves by imaging how we feel when we are woken up while we are asleep. We feel grouchy the next day and are less productive in the office. If we internalize this reality, we will treat the chickens with more respect, which not only is the proper thing to do, but it is actual good business sense.

The results will be healthier, bigger chickens.  Thus, everybody gains by respecting the chickens needs not to be exposed to high levels of noise pollution: the commercial poultry farmer, the backyard chicken farmer enthusiast, the processor and the chickens.

Ronnie P. Cons is EVP of C&C Packing Inc., a leading Canadian distributor of meat and poultry. He can be contacted at Rcons@CCpacking.com.  Visit at www.CCpacking.com

1Stress in Broiler Chickens Due to Acute Noise Exposure (2009) Chloupek et. Al  Acta Veterinaria Brno, 78:93-98.