Strange behavior - Black Barred Plymouth Rock

[twinklemama]

The hen in question is almost 3 years old and it Head Honcho of the flock of 14 (3 are almost 3 years, 3 are 2 years, and 8 are 4 months, we don't have any roos). Lately, when I feed them she stands in the group with all the others and watches while they eat with her beak half open then makes a shrill almost sneeze like sound and shakes her head once side to side. Then stopped, only to repeat it several seconds later. She will do this for about 15 mins and then stop completely and eat. She also maintains order during this by keeping the younger hens away until the older ones have eaten. Is this normal? I am concerned that she is sick.

 

[crested1990]

if theres no roos then sometimes the dominent hen will try to act like a rooster. She sounds like shes trying to crow.

 

[twinklemama]

That's kinda what I thought too. I was just worried because she's my baby. Follows me around and wants to be pet and all.

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