Instructions
Determine what could be prompting your rooster to crow excessively. Ensure that the bird has sufficient food and water as it might vocalize out of a desire for these basic needs. Roosters that were hatched indoors within close proximity to you may crow to determine your location. Place a thin, fabric sock lightly over its head to reduce anxiety.
Darken your rooster's coop completely. Roosters are less prone to crowing when in a dark environment, which encourages the relaxation and rest they would experience during nightfall. Ensure that any and all cracks and openings are sealed. Cover windows. Confine the rooster until you decide upon the hour that you would like its morning to begin.
House your rooster in a small, low cage temporarily at night. Roosters tend to stretch their bodies as they crow. The diminutive cage hampers his ability to extend his feathers, which may help reduce crowing. Pick a cage of a size that restricts the rooster's movement in terms of stretching but that allows it to stand and sleep with comfort.
Amuse your rooster. More hens in the flock could provide additional distraction. Create artificial tunnels out of hay bales. Hang discarded CDs or other reflective material in a place where it will catch sunlight, as well as your rooster's attention. Strew or bury food scraps and corn cobs in your rooster's environment for it to discover. Fill a basket with lettuce leaves and other tasty vegetables, but hang it just outside your rooster's reach.
How to Make a Rooster Shut Up
Roosters traditionally announce a new day's dawn. Yet these cocky fowl do not restrict their vocalizations to mornings exclusively. They crow throughout the day for reasons that ignore the sun --- boredom, monitoring territory or gloating in response to hens' egg-laying. Those responsible for roosters sometimes feel understandable frustration with what they regard as unnecessary noise from their birds. Such owners should employ observance and creativity to help reduce the rooster's roistering.