Roosters cannot be taught not to crow
PET OHANA
Hawaiian Humane Society
Question: Many of our neighbors have roosters, and they make terrible noise all morning. Why does the Hawaiian Humane Society respond to barking-dog complaints but not for crowing roosters? Animal noise is animal noise!
Answer: The Humane Society pursued and secured the city-county contract for barking-dog complaints and not rooster complaints for a few sound reasons.
We believe that responsible pet ownership and dog behavior education are viable in resolving the issue of barking dogs. On the contrary, roosters cannot be taught not to crow.
We also believe that the only true solution is through county zoning ordinance. Prohibiting roosters in urban neighborhoods would be in alignment with current county policies that prevent cows and other livestock from living next door, but City Council members have not supported this option.
Q: Why do roosters crow?
A: It is a common misconception that roosters only crow at dawn. They can crow at all hours to establish territory and warn other roosters not to trespass.
Caging roosters disrupts their natural behavior to survey and establish boundaries and can result in excessive crowing. A life in permanent isolation is not ideal for roosters, which are social creatures like most animals. In fact, another important reason they vocalize is to keep their group together -- known as flocking calls. They also crow if suddenly disturbed.
Q: I'm also noticing a growing amount of feral chickens in my neighborhood and I'm concerned they will add to the noise. Who can I call to trap the chickens?
A: It can be challenging to trap chickens. Despite their heft, chickens do fly. The Hawaii Game Breeders Association is contracted by the city and county to handle trapping and noise response. Call 239-9611.
Loaner traps are also available from the Humane Society.
The Hawaiian Humane Society welcomes questions by e-mail,
hhs@hawaiianhumane.org. Indicate "Pet Ohana" in the subject line. Or, write "Pet Ohana," Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826.