Can Chickens Change Sexes?

[Cradd]

I have a barred rock cockerel that’s about 3-4 months old. Asked one of the big local breeders around here and she confirmed, but said to hold out because he may change sexes. Is this a thing? If not, what’s the going rate for a young roo? (Sidenote- I am so exhausted by the false advertising at chicken swaps )

 

[JacinLarkwell]

No. Females may develop male traits such as pointed feathers, spurs and crowing, but that's hormonal and genetic, not because their W chromosome turned into a Z.

Going rate depends on the location and breed. Here, I probably couldn't even give him away. But somewhere else you might get 5 bucks

 

[JedJackson]

No, chickens cannot change sexes. Once a cockerel, always a cockerel. There are certain instances where a chicken can take on characteristics of the opposite sex, but it's caused by hormonal imbalance and doesn't cause an actual change in sex.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

I have a barred rock cockerel that’s about 3-4 months old. Asked one of the big local breeders around here and she confirmed, but said to hold out because he may change sexes. Is this a thing? If not, what’s the going rate for a young roo? (Sidenote- I am so exhausted by the false advertising at chicken swaps )

Breeder was lying. Not a thing.