Delaware hen crowing?

[stonefarmchicks]

So, I thought I had all hens. Actually, I’m still pretty sure I do with the exception of the rooster we adopted from our neighbors recently. We have been housing the rooster and hens separate at night and letting them stay together during the day (only had him 3 days) but recently my Delaware (5 months old) started crowing or atleast memicking the rooster. Please let me know what gender my Delaware is, I need to know if the rooster needs a new home.

 

[Cyprus]

That's a female. Sometimes hens will mimic crows.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

She looks all lady to me.

Hens crowing may not be super common... but it is fairly common.

I had a two year old barred Rock hen start crowing this past year. It's kinda hilarious and sounds a lot more like one of my young stags just trying their vocal cords.

Hope you are enjoying BYC, welcome!

 

[DobieLover]

Looks like she is. That is a pullet.

 

[stonefarmchicks]

Thank you all! I was nervous because I didn’t want to risk them fighting if she was a roo. Do you think I should just add the roo or should I keep it slow? As in together during the day and separate at night.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Agree, that's a pullet. Its also possible she's practicing her egg song...

 

[rebrascora]

It's not that unusual for a mature hen to crow but it is much less common for a pullet to crow. Whilst it does looks like a pullet, that comb and wattles are very red for 5 months in a slower growing breed like a Delaware, maturing in winter and I think it may yet be a slow developing cockerel.... I'm not saying it definitely is, but I wouldn't totally rule it out yet.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

That is a crowing hen!
I have a crowing Serama hen right outside my window. It sounds just like my first 3 roosters did.

 

[rebrascora]

That is a crowing hen!
I have a crowing Serama hen right outside my window. It sounds just like my first 3 roosters did.

At 5 months, it is either a pullet or a cockerel but not a hen. That makes a big difference in my book.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

At 5 months, it is either a pullet or a cockerel but not a hen. That makes a big difference in my book.

She is a hen. She will crow and lays eggs. She has even raised some chicks too. After all, she is 4-years-old in the spring.