Hen is now a rooster?

[Roger Fontaine]

One of my hens recently started crowing at 5am religiously. I thought it was some weird anomaly and looked it up online. Apparently there is a condition due to hormones, where a hen will take on the characteristics of a rooster including crowing. I can't tell if she stopped laying since I'm not out there at the right time to see. My question...has anyone else experienced this and is there a way to reverse this condition. Unfortunately in my neighborhood roosters are not allowed and I may need to get rid of her and my options are slim.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

Just to get the obvious question out the way, are you certain she is a hen?

I've had three hens/pullets over the years who took to crowing. Fortunately they all only did it for a temporary period while they were off lay for one reason or another.

It is a hormone imbalance I believe which can correct itself. However sometimes hens ovaries can quit altogether which can cause them to become more 'male' physically. They can also take on the role of 'rooster' when there is no real male around.

Nothing can be done for a reproductive problem, and the only way to stop a head hen from playing the rooster role is to get an actual rooster... Obviously not a possible solution in your case.

Unfortunately there really isn't much you can do about it, but there is a chance she will stop laying by herself.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I've seen it a few times, it was always when there wasn't an actual rooster in the flock, and it was temporary each time. Although one hen did crow for almost a year before she randomly quit.

 

[so lucky]

It would be interesting to study whether the hens that crow are from flocks that are fed a different diet...like more or less soy in the feed, etc. It might make that one hen with a bit more natural testosterone than her sisters to go over the edge, so to speak.

But, in other animal species, like some fish, such as clown fish and gobies, a female will turn into a male, growing functioning male parts, if there is a need for a male in the group.

 

[Roger Fontaine]

Just to get the obvious question out the way, are you certain she is a hen?

I've had three hens/pullets over the years who took to crowing. Fortunately they all only did it for a temporary period while they were off lay for one reason or another.

It is a hormone imbalance I believe which can correct itself. However sometimes hens ovaries can quit altogether which can cause them to become more 'male' physically. They can also take on the role of 'rooster' when there is no real male around.

Nothing can be done for a reproductive problem, and the only way to stop a head hen from playing the rooster role is to get an actual rooster... Obviously not a possible solution in your case.

Unfortunately there really isn't much you can do about it, but there is a chance she will stop laying by herself.

She is two years old so I'm petty sure she's a hen. She's been laying up till a month or so ago. I guess I'll wait and see although time is not on her side.

 

[TXchickmum]

My 8-year-old Australorp crows. She has been a wonderful layer for years (and still lays)! She is the boss of the flock, and top of the pecking order. She crows loudly in the morning, just like a rooster, and causes our dog to start barking. Every now and then she will crow during the day or before roost. We can't have roos either. -just waiting for the city to show up about "our rooster", and try to explain that "he" is a "she".

 

[so lucky]

My 8-year-old Australorp crows. She has been a wonderful layer for years (and still lays)! She is the boss of the flock, and top of the pecking order. She crows loudly in the morning, just like a rooster, and causes our dog to start barking. Every now and then she will crow during the day or before roost. We can't have roos either. -just waiting for the city to show up about "our rooster", and try to explain that "he" is a "she".

Does she sound like a regular rooster, or a weaker or hybrid crow?

 

[TXchickmum]

She sounds like a rooster. (She probably isn't quite as loud. She throws her head back, neck out, and belts it out. You can definitely hear her indoors clearly.)

 

[aart]

She is two years old so I'm petty sure she's a hen. She's been laying up till a month or so ago. I guess I'll wait and see although time is not on her side.

Do you have a male in the flock?
What breed is she?
Hopefully you can convince the neighbors and authorities that she is a female....
....or it might not matter, 'crowers have to go'.

I had a hen crowing one winter while molting, duets with the cockbird.
She stopped after she started laying again.

Welcome to BYC! @Roger Fontaine
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Roger Fontaine]

Aart, There is no male in the flock..all hens. I have only six chicken at this time. two are silver lace, 2 are australorps, and the others including the "Rooster" are Buff Orpingtons.
I can only hope she stops. I've now been locking them all in the coop each night and so far that has stopped her. Once out she doesn't crow during the day.
Thanks for the welcome..I will update my profile as noted.
I am in Rhode Island USA and the weather has been, up til now, mostly rain and cool. It's hopefully going to start warming up soon.