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One of the most controversial products in the backyard chicken world is “No Crow Collars”. It raises the question, are no crow collars cruel?
I’ve read dozens of accounts from people on both sides of the argument. Some people think they are cruel, harmful, and it’s just wrong from a moral perspective to stop a rooster crowing.
Other’s say they don’t hurt the rooster at all. They save the lives of a rooster that would have otherwise been slaughtered, and of course, they keep the neighbors happy.
If you’re considering a rooster collar to stop your bird crowing, here’s everything you need to know to help you make the best decision for you and your flock:
Table of Contents
What Are Rooster Collars?
The “No Crow” collar is the name of a particular brand. These collars are also called; anti-crow rooster collars, no noise rooster collars, anti-hook noise-free neckbands, and so on.
Basically, they are velcro collars that you attach around the rooster’s neck. They almost look like a bow tie from a distance, although you should put it under the feathers the best you can so you can’t always see them.
With it wrapped snugly around the rooster’s throat, when they try to crow it restricts the amount of air - and force - they can produce.
This is because to make a loud crow, a rooster needs to fill its lungs and air sacs with air. When they expel that air they make that loud crowing noise. So, the more air they inhale the louder it is, and the less they inhale the quieter it will be.
Using a collar doesn’t mean the rooster will not make any noise at all, but it does reduce the volume to an almost inaudible whisper.
This is why the manufacturers say their collars are safe. They aren’t restricting the birds breathing while they’re going about their normal activities. Only when they try to inhale a large amount of air to crow.
Do No Crow Collars Work?
Yes, anti-crow collars do work.
I’ve seen them in use numerous times, both in real life and on videos. There is no doubt that they work. Just check out the video below if you want to hear what a crowing noise from a rooster wearing a band.
Results will vary depending on the brand you’re using and how you fit it. But with a little tweak to find the perfect fit you should be able to get the desired results.
Video With Sound of a Rooster Collar
Here is an interesting video, and it’s a story that some of you reading this might relate to. A guy lives in an urban area where roosters aren’t allowed due to the noise they make.
He had previously butchered them, but then found out about rooster collars. He’s put a collar on his rooster, and as you’ll hear in the video it’s reduced the volume to a quiet enough noise that he can keep him.
The alternative was butchering the rooster, so is a collar more cruel than that alternative?
It’s a magnificent bird too, a cross between a Rhode Island Red and Leghorn known as a “Mud”. A nice mix of white with some brown and red colorings.
Related content - Can roosters live alone?
Do Anti-Crow Collars Hurt Roosters?
No, when fitted properly it doesn’t seem to hurt roosters in any way.
They are still able to do all the things they would be doing without the collar; such as eating, drinking, mating, protecting their flock… just no loud crowing.
When fit properly, you should be able to fit the tip of your smallest finger under the collar. So, it’s tight with very little room for movement, but it’s not restricting normal breathing.
I’ve observed a few roosters wearing these collars, and I didn’t see any signs of pain, discomfort, or distress. Also, they seem to crow the same amount as they would without the collar, so I’m wondering how aware they are that their crow is reduced.
How to Stop a Rooster From Crowing Without a Collar?
The only other way to stop a rooster from crowing is to make some pretty big changes to their environment and lifestyle, such as limiting how much light exposure they get.
From what I can tell, the other methods are a lot more damaging to a rooster in terms of their quality of life.
A collar is the closest way to allowing a rooster to be a rooster while stopping them from making so much noise.
Should You Give Your Rooster an Anti-Crow Collar?
Some people don’t have a choice. If you live in an urban setting, you probably aren’t allowed a “crowing” rooster. The detail is in the wording if it says no roosters then you can’t have one.
But for most areas, it says no “crowing” roosters as it’s the noise that’s the problem, not the bird.
These collars have allowed urban backyard chicken keepers to have a rooster in their flock. This means they can fertilize eggs and have chicks, their hens are happier, they have a better-balanced flock, and so on.
If you want or need to stop your rooster crowing, personally I recommend giving one a try. Especially if the alternative is that you get rid of the rooster.
In Summary
In my opinion, no crow collars are not cruel. They do not hurt the rooster in any way, and they are effective at muffling their crowing.
If you’re looking for a solution to stop your roosters crowing you should try one. If it’s the only solution to stop your rooster being butchered, you should absolutely try one.
I’d rather know a rooster is living a full and happy life over being butchered. Even if it means wearing a velcro collar.
There are loads of upsides to having a rooster in your flock. If this product means you can now introduce one, go for it.
