Hen becoming a rooster!

[skullman2009]

Hi all, I've just joined because I want to share a bizarre occurance! My hen I've had for several years and has been the best mum out of all my flock, and successfully reared several broods has become a rooster! Her comb and wattles are much bigger, she stands more upright like a male, and even crows on occasion, she is the favourite for my youngest boy to mate with! I even had a vet round convinced she was a rooster! Which I understand because she does look more like a rooster than a hen! Anyone come across this before? Thanks.

 

[Sc_chickengirl]

Do you have pics of her?

 

[My Bagurks]

I haven’t seen this personally, but I’ve heard of it. How many other roosters do you have and how big is your flock. It is pretty rare and typically only happens in rooster-less flocks. The dominant or one of the dominant hens takes on the role of rooster. Comb, waddles, and stance can change to resemble a rooster. They can’t fertilize an egg but they become a rooster by all other means. Even growing larger spurs.

 

[My Bagurks]

Do you have pics of her?

Please post pictures. And take more as time goes on. Include any older pictures. This is a great opportunity to see this actually happen. And most people are unaware of it. Show and tell time.

 

[janiedoe]

Hello, welcome to BYC. How old is she? It is obviously related to hormones. And yes, pictures are needed.

 

[Dr Evy]

Welcome to BYC. How interesting! Good luck!

 

[the_peanut_coop]

Welcome to BYC, @skullman2009 ! I hope we'll be able to help you determine what's going on here. Good luck, and have a great day!

 

[SilverBirds]

Welcome to BYC!

Pictures would be nice. It is very rare for them to change sex, but it does happen. Most of the time do to hormones or something to do with an infection/cyst on their ovaries I think. How many other roos do you have?

 

[Tookie]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

Yes, pics please!