Feasibility study for a quiet chicken coop

Noise is a common concern with backyard poultry keepers, neighbors, municipalities and other enforcement agencies. For keepers with an enclosed run, the question has been asked if a noise control enclosure can be developed to keep roosters, hens or other poultry without disturbing nearby neighbors or violating local noise ordinances. Given a source of known sound power level, it is a straightforward analysis to determine the noise reduction needed to reduce the sound pressure level at a given location to a level below some criteria. With this information, appropriate materials and design details can be specified. However, with animals there are certain constraints. Animals require ventilation, daily access by the keeper for cleaning, feeding, egg collection, etcetera and the source location is variable as the animals move about their enclosure. There are also limitations on the types of materials which can be used due to the likelihood that such a construction would be implemented by a DIY keeper or local contractor. This analysis considers these constraints in determining if such an enclosure is feasible for several noise events.