Confession: I just realized a 3yo hen is actually not a hen

[QChickieMama]

I have a white and tan small hen named Gladys who, for the last 3 years, has frequently squabbled with the others in my flock. She's skittish and ornery. Tiny comb, small feet, no spurs, no crowing. And yet, today, I saw "her" on a female and finally understood. How did I miss this?

 

[nuthatched]

Pictures? Hens mount hens to show dominance in the pecking order.

 

[SilverBirds]

Pictures? Some hens will mount other hens as a show of dominance.

 

[QChickieMama]

Pictures? Some hens will mount other hens as a show of dominance.

Edited to add photos

 

[nuthatched]

Edited to add photos

Yep, that's a dude, male feathers and everything.

 

[QChickieMama]

Yep, that's a dude, male feathers and everything.

Welp, that's the end of Gladys. :-( Can't have too many roosters. Funny though!

 

[nuthatched]

Welp, that's the end of Gladys. :-( Can't have too many roosters. Funny though!

Well, if he's a non dominant roo, he likely doesn't make much time with the ladies. So over breeding might not be an issue

 

[MysteryChicken]

I have a white and tan small hen named Gladys who, for the last 3 years, has frequently squabbled with the others in my flock. She's skittish and ornery. Tiny comb, small feet, no spurs, no crowing. And yet, today, I saw "her" on a female and finally understood. How did I miss this?

Female. No pointy saddles present.

 

[tripletfeb]

@Overo Mare

 

[janiedoe]

I believe she is a hen.