Hermione becomes Herman!

[Hectorshome]

Now I have been told this is not uncommon but I was wondering why it has happened! Our two and a half year old hen, Hermione, has recently moved up the pecking order because of the sad demise of our much loved Henrietta. Around the same time, we suddenly started hearing crowing outside in the run! Thinking that a local Pheasant had learned to do Cockerel impressions we wrote it off until the other morning when I noticed Hermione actually on the perch at 6.30am crowing. I had no idea it had been her all along. So having asked around I am now told that this is not uncommon (she stopped laying about six months ago) BUT can anyone tell me why it has happened??

Liz

 

[Marigold]

What breed is Hermione, Hector? I suppose it's possible that at her age she's come to the end of her time laying, especially if she's a hybrid, and hormonal changes due to the 'henopause' have caused her gender confusion! I don't think they do HRT for hens - is she being troubled by hot flushes, do you think?
One of my hybrids went off lay at only 15 months old, her comb and spurs developed, but she didn't crow and still crouched when touched on her back. No eggs for a year - I concluded that once this happens it's not likely to be reversible.

 

[Hectorshome]

She is about two years old and a Light Sussex. I am wondering if it has anything to do with the loss of the head chicken in the group? She certainly likes to show she is now in charge! I am not bothered about the lack of eggs but not overly keen on the crowing as she lives just outside the bedroom window in her run ;-) Thanks for the reply.

 

[ncotb]

Ive a hen, approx 15 months old, who has decided to crow :shock: pretty sure its because the cock went about 3 weeks ago.