Here we are... Genetics of the Fowl, page 469...
“In the more common type of (sex) reversal, apparently normal females, including hens that have laid eggs, develop (in varying degrees) the large head furnishings and spurs of the male. They usually retain female plumage, even after a moult, but in some cases it is a mixture of male plumage, even after a moult, but in some cases it is a mixture of male and female feathers or, more rarely, entirely like that of a male. These birds will crow and usually exhibit various degrees of male sexual behavior. In nearly every case that has been carefully examined, some pathological condition of the ovary has been found. Frequently it is invaded by a tumor. In most cases, some kind of right gonad has been regenerated.”
So there we have it. Your lady pulled a unique case that would have convinced anyone that she’s male with hen feathering. But she is actually a rarity. A female that has undergone a sex reversal because of ovary damage. Be proud, you don’t see that every day.
“In the more common type of (sex) reversal, apparently normal females, including hens that have laid eggs, develop (in varying degrees) the large head furnishings and spurs of the male. They usually retain female plumage, even after a moult, but in some cases it is a mixture of male plumage, even after a moult, but in some cases it is a mixture of male and female feathers or, more rarely, entirely like that of a male. These birds will crow and usually exhibit various degrees of male sexual behavior. In nearly every case that has been carefully examined, some pathological condition of the ovary has been found. Frequently it is invaded by a tumor. In most cases, some kind of right gonad has been regenerated.”
So there we have it. Your lady pulled a unique case that would have convinced anyone that she’s male with hen feathering. But she is actually a rarity. A female that has undergone a sex reversal because of ovary damage. Be proud, you don’t see that every day.
