Help needed with crowing hen

[devonshire]

Hello. I had three orpingtons but over the past couple of months two have had to be pts. So, two weeks ago I got two orpington bantams that are a year old. They settled in straight away with my original hen, only a few small pecks. One of the newbies is now top and the other is bottom of the pecking order. The one at the bottom is the one that has now started 'crowing' in the morning from about 7 - 7.30. It's not a full crow but she gives it her best shot, and is very loud. I am worried what the neighbours will think and why she has started doing this, and if it will stop or get worse. Any help or advise would be gratefully received.

 

[chrismahon]

Hello Devonshire. Is she laying as well? Reason I ask is that damage to the ovaries can cause a boost in Testosterone and a hen can turn into a cockerel to a large extent. I know of one only and the odds are 1:10,000 of it happening apparently. They will assume the role of top hen but go past foody noises and warning calls and can grow large wattles and comb. Can't reproduce and I've never heard of one crow but in theory it should, albeit poorly as the vocals won't be developed.

 

[devonshire]

Thanks for the reply chrismahon. Yes she is laying, tho the last time was two days ago, and hers are the biggest of the three of them. There is no 'crowing' in the day, but she did get quite vocal just before she went to bed last night.