Parrots, Chickens, and Roosters: Noise Laws for Exotic Pets

The Rooster Rule

The most common bird noise complaint involves roosters. In the vast majority of urban and suburban residential zones, roosters are strictly prohibited.

While cities often encourage keeping hens for eggs, the noise of a rooster crowing (which happens all day, not just at dawn) is considered incompatible with residential living. If your neighbor has a rooster, they are likely violating zoning laws, not just noise laws. A call to code enforcement usually resolves this quickly.

Parrots and Exotic Birds

Large parrots (Macaws, Cockatoos) can produce screams reaching 135 decibels—louder than a jet engine at takeoff. Unlike dogs, birds often vocalize at sunrise and sunset as a natural instinct.

The Law: Most animal noise ordinances cover "any animal or bird." If the squawking is continuous (e.g., 10 minutes straight) or habitual, it is a violation. However, owners are expected to keep windows closed if they own loud tropical birds to contain the sound.

Wild Birds vs. Pets

It is important to distinguish between pets and nature. You generally cannot file a noise complaint about wild birds (like a mockingbird singing at night). They are protected wildlife. The law only applies to animals owned or kept by a person.

The Takeaway

If you own a loud bird, soundproofing your home is a responsibility of ownership. If you are the neighbor, know that roosters are rarely legal in the city, and tropical birds are subject to the same nuisance laws as a barking dog.