Whether you’re raising chickens in a neighborhood or just want a peaceful backyard flock, picking quiet chicken breeds is key. While all chickens make some noise, certain breeds tend to be much more low-key than others. These sweet and quiet breeds will make you fall in love!
Three of the top quiet chicken breeds that are perfect for keeping things calm are the Australorp, Wyandotte, and Orpington. These birds are not only known for being quiet, but they’re also friendly and easy to care for, making them ideal for backyard chicken keepers who want to stay on good terms with their neighbors.
Chickens tend to be the noisiest in the mornings and right after they lay their eggs. It’s pretty common to hear some clucking and squawking as they greet the day or celebrate their egg-laying accomplishments. However, no chicken breed is completely quiet.
The level of noise can even depend on the individual chicken. While the breeds I’ll be discussing are known for being quieter than others, some individual chickens might still be a bit chatty. So, if you’re looking for a peaceful backyard, keep in mind that even the quietest breeds can have their noisy moments.
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Top 19 Quiet Chicken Breeds
1. Australorps
Black Australorps are hands down one of the best breeds if you’re looking for a quiet chicken breed that’s also a good egg layer. They top a lot of my lists on the blog because they check so many boxes for backyard chicken keepers.
Not only are they incredibly calm and docile, but these large birds are also amazing at egg production. They’re often one of the first breeds I recommend for anyone wanting a peaceful flock that still lays plenty of eggs. It’s no wonder they’re considered one of the best breeds for a neighborhood-friendly backyard setup.
2. Wyandotte
Wyandottes are one of the most stunning and quiet breeds of chickens you can add to your flock. Not only are they peaceful and friendly chickens, but their unique looks are hard to beat. With beautiful varieties like silver lace, Columbian, and blue-laced red, these birds add a pop of color to any coop.
Wyandottes also handle confinement better than some other breeds, making them perfect for a neighborhood setup. And while they don’t mind staying in a run, they absolutely love to free range when given the chance. If you’re looking for a calm, gorgeous chicken that thrives in almost any setting, the Wyandotte is a great pick.
3. Orpington
Orpington chickens are often called the “golden retriever” of chickens, and it’s easy to see why. They’re one of the quietest chicken breeds around and have a super sweet nature, making them perfect for a backyard flock. Not only are they calm and friendly, but they’re also great for cooler climates thanks to their thick feathering.
Orpingtons are good layers, but keep in mind they can sometimes go broody, which means they like to sit on eggs and make good mothers. They come in a variety of colors, like buff, black, and lavender, so they’ll bring a nice mix of beauty and peace to your coop.
4. Delaware
Delaware chickens are a great quiet breed for any backyard flock. They’re known as a dual-purpose breed of chicken, which means they’re not only friendly birds but also good layers and meat birds. With their large size, they’re perfect if you’re looking to raise a sustainable flock.
As a Heritage breed, Delawares are great for those who want to keep traditional breeds alive while still having a steady supply of eggs and meat. If you’re looking for a calm, productive bird that checks a lot of boxes, Delawares are a great choice.
5. Brahma
Brahmas are known for their calm personality and are one of the quietest breeds of chickens you can have in your flock. These gentle giants are also perfect for cold climates because of their large size and soft feathers, which help them stay warm in winter.
Not only are they quiet, but they also make excellent broody hens, taking great care of their chicks. If you’re looking for a breed that’s peaceful, cold-hardy, and a great mother, Brahmas are a top choice.
6. Sussex
Sussex chickens are a beautiful and soft-spoken addition to any backyard flock. Known for their striking feather color, especially the Speckled Sussex, these birds are eye-catching without making much noise. They thrive in a variety of climates and are incredibly low maintenance, making them a great choice for both new and experienced chicken keepers.
Despite their calm nature, they have an active side and are great foragers, happily scratching around the yard for bugs and seeds. They’re perfect if you want a quiet, hardy breed that brings beauty and productivity to your flock.
7. Cochin
Cochins are the perfect quiet breed for a backyard flock. These calm birds have a super sweet nature, making them great family pets. They’re also good layers, though they do tend to go broody from time to time. Cochins thrive in colder climates thanks to their thick feathering, which even covers their feet!
Because of their docile temperaments, they don’t mind being confined, making them ideal for smaller backyards. As one of the best pure breeds for a peaceful, low-maintenance flock, Cochins are an excellent choice for anyone wanting calm and quiet chickens.
8. Silkie
Silkies are a favorite among chicken keepers because of their calm nature and unique good looks. With their fluffy feathers and sweet personalities, they make excellent pets for families. Since they’re a small breed of chicken, they don’t need as much coop space as larger breeds, which is great if you’re working with limited room.
Despite their size, they’re still good layers of fresh eggs, and they’re also very quiet, making them perfect for a peaceful backyard flock. If you’re looking for a small, quiet, and friendly breed, Silkies are a great choice.
9. Faverolles
Salmon Faverolles are a rare and beautiful breed of chicken with a friendly personality that makes them great for a quiet backyard flock. They were originally bred for egg production during cold winters, so they’re perfect if you want fresh eggs even when the weather is chilly.
Their thick, gorgeous feathering and small beards add to their charm, making them a unique addition to any coop. With their friendly nature and ability to handle cold weather, Salmon Faverolles are a top choice if you’re looking for a quiet, cold-hardy breed.
10. Maran
Marans are a fantastic quiet breed to consider for your flock, especially the Black Copper Marans, which are some of the quietest chickens in my coop. Not only do they lay stunning dark brown eggs, but they also have large bodies and feathered feet that make them really unique.
These chickens are not just beautiful; they also have very friendly and sweet personalities, making them a great choice for families or anyone looking for a calm flock. With their gentle nature and impressive egg production, Black Copper Marans are sure to be a wonderful addition to your backyard. They are some of my favorites!
11. Cream Legbar
Cream Legbars are a fantastic quiet breed for any backyard flock. While they can be a little flighty at times, their beautiful blue eggs make them well worth it. These chickens have a unique appearance, with their striking cream-colored feathers and distinctive crest, which will bring a lot of diversity to your backyard.
They’re not only pretty to look at, but they also add a fun touch to your flock’s personality. If you’re looking for great additions that are both eye-catching and productive, Cream Legbars are definitely a breed to consider.
12. Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rocks are a great breed to have in your flock, and they find a spot on most of the lists I write. They were actually the first chickens in my flock, and I’ve loved having them around ever since. While they might not be the quietest breed on the list, they make up for it with their wonderful traits.
These climate-hardy birds are excellent layers, usually producing large brown eggs that are perfect for breakfast! They tend to be a bit noisy, but that’s mostly just after they’ve laid an egg, which is pretty common for many chicken breeds. Overall, Plymouth Rocks are a fantastic addition to any backyard and bring a lot of charm and productivity to your coop!
13. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Red hens are often considered the perfect backyard chicken. This large breed was developed in the United States and is known for being a dual-purpose breed, which means they’re great for both egg production and meat.
They are excellent layers, producing plenty of eggs while not being as noisy as some other breeds. However, they might not be the friendliest in a mixed flock, so it’s good to keep that in mind. Overall, Rhode Island Reds are a solid choice for anyone looking to add reliable, hard-working hens to their backyard!
14. New Hampshire
New Hampshire chickens are a fantastic breed that’s quite similar to Rhode Island Reds. They’re great for any backyard and are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for a variety of purposes. Like the Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshires are excellent layers, providing plenty of eggs for your family.
They also have good-sized bodies, making them suitable for meat production as well. These friendly birds adapt well to different environments and are pretty hardy, so they can thrive in various climates. If you’re looking for reliable chickens that can do it all, New Hampshire chickens are definitely worth considering.
15. Ameraucanas
Ameraucanas are a great quiet addition to your flock. These charming chickens come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them visually interesting in your backyard. One of the best things about Ameraucanas is that they lay beautiful blue eggs, and they don’t raise a lot of fuss while doing it.
Plus, some of them have adorable little beards, giving them a unique look that adds to their charm. If you’re looking for friendly, low-maintenance chickens that are both pretty and productive, Ameraucanas are definitely a fantastic choice.
16. Minorca
The Minorca chicken is a quiet and docile breed that thrives in warm climates, making them perfect for life here in the Deep South. They are a common find in backyard flocks, and it’s easy to see why they are a favorite among their owners. Minorcas are known for their friendly personalities and ability to adapt to different environments, which makes them great companions in the coop.
Their calm nature and beautiful appearance add to their appeal, and they usually get along well with other chickens. If you’re looking for a breed that’s easy to care for and brings a lot of charm to your backyard, Minorcas are great.
17. Bielefelder
The Bielefelder chicken breed is a beautiful and quiet addition to any flock. With their unique appearance, featuring striking feather patterns and a friendly disposition, they’re sure to catch your eye. Bielefelders have many great qualities, making them a favorite among chicken keepers.
Not only are they excellent layers, providing a steady supply of fresh eggs, but they’re also fantastic foragers, happily exploring the yard for bugs and treats.
Their friendly nature makes them easy to handle and a joy to have around. If you’re looking for a breed that combines beauty, productivity, and a calm personality, Bielefelders are a wonderful choice.
18. Sultan
The Sultan chicken is a stately and beautiful breed that adds a touch of elegance to any backyard. While they are usually bred as an ornamental breed, they make wonderful pets, too! Their unique appearance, with fluffy feathers and a large crest, is sure to grab the attention of your neighbors.
Sultans are quiet chickens, which makes them perfect for a peaceful backyard setting. They may not lay as many eggs as some other breeds, but their charm and beauty make up for it. If you want a lovely addition to your flock that’s sure to impress, Sultans are definitely a great choice.
19. Frizzle
The Frizzle chicken is a sweet little breed that’s perfect for any backyard! They’re known for their unique feathering, which curls outward instead of lying flat, giving them a fun and quirky appearance.
Frizzles have a calm, quiet demeanor, making them a great choice if you’re looking for gentle companions. Their friendly nature allows them to get along well with other chickens, and they can easily adapt to small backyards. If you want a charming and low-maintenance breed that brings a lot of personality to your flock, Frizzles are an excellent addition.
The Noisiest Chicken Breeds
There are some breeds known for being extra noisy. The Polish chicken is known for being quite loud, especially because their crested feathering can limit their vision, making them more vocal as peck around the chicken yard.
Leghorns are another breed that tends to be on the noisy side; they’re known for being flighty and loud, but they are also some of the best layers, producing lots of eggs!
Lastly, the Ayam Cemani is a beautiful breed, famous for its all-black appearance, but they can be pretty vocal, too.
If you’re looking for quiet chickens, it might be best to steer clear of these chatty breeds.
Helpful Tips for Keeping Quiet Chicken Breeds
Keeping a quiet, peaceful coop can really make a difference for both you and your chickens! Here are some helpful tips to create a calm environment:
- Choose the Right Breeds: Opt for quieter breeds like Australops, Wyandottes, or Orpingtons, which are known for their calm personalities.
- Provide Enough Space: Make sure your chickens have plenty of room to roam. A cramped coop can lead to stress and noise, so aim for at least 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 10 square feet in the run.
- Establish a Routine: Chickens thrive on routine. Feeding them at the same time each day can help keep them calm and reduce unnecessary complaining.
- Create a Cozy Environment: Make sure the coop is comfortable and secure. Adding bedding, perches, and places to hide can help them feel safe and less anxious.
- Limit Disturbances: Try to keep the coop a quiet place by minimizing loud noises and sudden movements around it. If you have pets, introduce them slowly to the chickens to avoid startling them.
- Provide Entertainment: Keeping your chickens busy with toys, treats, and things to scratch at can help reduce boredom and keep the noise level down.
- Keep Them Healthy: If a chicken is suddenly more vocal than usual, it might be worth checking if they’re feeling unwell or stressed. Keeping an eye on their health can help maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
Quiet Chicken Breeds FAQs
What are quiet chicken breeds?
Quiet chicken breeds are known for their calm and gentle nature, producing less noise compared to other breeds. Some popular quiet breeds include Ameraucanas, Cochins, and Silkies.
Why do chickens make noise?
Chickens make noise to communicate with each other, show excitement, or alert their flock mates to potential danger. They tend to be noisier in the mornings and after laying eggs.
Are any chicken breeds completely silent?
No chicken breed is completely silent. While some breeds are quieter than others, individual chickens may still be noisy at times.
Final Thoughts on The BEST Quiet Chicken Breeds
Choosing quiet chicken breeds can make a big difference in creating a peaceful backyard. Whether you’re looking for friendly pets or good egg layers, there are plenty of calm breeds to pick from, like Ameraucanas, Cochins, and Silkies. Remember, while no chicken is completely silent, these breeds can help keep the noise levels down and add a lot of fun to your flock. With the right care and a little love, you’ll enjoy the benefits of having these sweet and gentle birds in your backyard.
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