Best Quiet Chicken Breeds for Suburban Neighborhoods

Hens are quieter than most dogs, but some breeds are notably softer-spoken. These 10 are the quietest in regular yard conditions.

Not sure which breed fits you?

Answer 6 quick questions and our AI matches you to ideal breeds.

One of the quietest standard breeds. Calm temperament keeps alarm calls rare.

Soft-spoken layer with a brief egg song.

Calm and quiet, perfect for fenced yards.

Low-key personality means very little vocalization.

Bantam size and a quiet, chatty murmur, not a loud cackle.

Quiet gentle giants.

Among the quietest of the standard utility breeds.

Generally quiet, especially the calmer hens.

Soft-spoken even when curious.

Gentle and quiet, with a soft burble instead of a loud cluck.

Are chickens too loud for the suburbs?

Hens average 60-70 dB during the egg song, quieter than a normal conversation. Roosters average 90 dB and ARE too loud for most suburbs.

How do I keep hens quiet?

Reduce stress (predator-proof coop, no surprise visitors), pick quiet breeds, and don't keep a rooster.

Will neighbors complain about hens?

Most don't, the egg song is brief and during daylight. Offer fresh eggs as a goodwill gesture.