Why does a chicken cackle loudly after she lays an egg?

Question

I've had chickens for many years and often observe this behavior, but I've never found a scientific answer for why the hen does it. (I know the folklore about how she is so very proud of her accomplishment!) Sometimes the whole flock joins in to cackle along with her, even the roosters. It certainly lets me know I've got another egg for breakfast -- but what purpose would this serve in the wild? Wouldn't announcing the production of an egg attract predators to the nesting area? Or does the racket scare them away? Anybody know?

I realize chickens are not wild, but mine are traditional breeds that will set on eggs and are free-run, so they are closer to wild than comercial breeds. BTW, does anybody know if a Jungle Fowl (the original chicken species) cackles after laying?

Judging from the answers so far -- some flocks cackle, some don't -- I'm wondering: Is this a learned behavior peculiar to certain flocks? Since we raise our chicks under broody hens, is it possible that they learn the flock's cackling behavior from the older chickens?

Answer 1

There is no logical explanation to this, this is just what happens with your hens. When my hens lay an egg, you would never know. I know this is probalbly is not very helpful to your question, but if anyone says something else, you could compare it to my answer, and see if it is any good. Maybe, I know when my dog come around my chickens, they start squaking, and sometimes other hens or roosters (usually roosters) might fell like a threat to the hen so she might skwak, and the hens and roosters decide to join her? Did that make any sense? Hope that helped!

Answer 2

Chicken Cackles

Answer 3

Well they are not wild, and have long since lost behavior and instincts that would allow them to live in the wild. (thus no roaming flocks of chickens from people releasing them unlike some parrots that have established colonies in soem major cities)Cackles tend to be in alarm. I have several hens that never cackled when laying eggs unless messed with. ALso, and I'm just guessing, but maybe she's saying "OW! That hurt!"
In other words, your guess is as good as mine.

Answer 4

I raise Jersey Giants, and they seem to have a "waiting line" as they all use the same nest box and I've recently thought to myself that they are announcing to the next hen that the nest is vacant. I really doubt this is the reason, but it's an amusing theory, anyway.
No dice on the Jungle Fowl, maybe try feathersite or googling it?

Answer 5

Yea. There's a secret worldwide organisation of chickens that lay poisoned eggs to try and kill us humans. Eventually, we will feel the effects of the eggs and become slaves to the chickens. At least, thats what a hen told me.

Answer 6

i have hens too and i think its cause shes pushing an egg out her whatever every morning, like it hurts

Answer 7

Wouldn't you cackle loudly if you dropped something that size from an orifice!

Answer 8

shes thinking....hey rooster...18 years mutha f***er!! 18 years...ive got you for 18 years....hahaha i dont know...its funy though....