My hen think shes a cockerel

[Jen O]

One of my hens (a Vorwerk) has tried to crow as she comes out of the coop in the morning - this has happened 3 occasions in the last week. She doesn't managed a full cock-a-doodle-doo, but its definitely the beginnings of one. I am assuming that hens are not able to transform there sex , so would be interested if I need to check anything or be concerned. She is also moulting, particularly around the neck.

 

[Marigold]

It's not that uncommon for hens to develop male characteristics, especially mature ladies kept in a group without a cockerel. Is she the top hen? Maybe she is taking charge as a result of hormonal changes. I had one who laid well in her first season but who never returned to lay after her first winter break. Her comb grew much bigger but she didn't grow spurs or crow. She was very much in charge of the flock, though. How old is your girl? I expect other people will have stories of crowing hens to tell.

 

[Jen O]

She is only a year, but yes she is top hen, so I guess that explains it. I would say also that she has stopped laying. Thanks so much for your reply, it proves I'm not hearing things.

 

[ducksgeesechooks]

She is only a year, but yes she is top hen, so I guess that explains it. I would say also that she has stopped laying. Thanks so much for your reply, it proves I'm not hearing things.

You're not hearing things. I have a flock of LF brahmas and the older brahma hens are 4 1/2 years old. We were forced to put my beloved brahma roo down last spring due to an incurable and painful condition with his legs, so my girls were without a rooster until this spring. A year without a rooster and one of my hens went through a transformation. I thought she was ill at first, but then she started crowing and growing hackle and saddle feathers. She also stopped laying. Now I have two half-grown cockerels in the flock and she has reverted to being a hen, though she still hasn't resumed laying and I'm not sure she ever will.