I believe I have a hermaphrodite chicken

[CityFarmerRob]

In my opinion, that’s 100% a rooster. I don’t know how the egg got there, but it sure didn’t come out of him. There was a thread like this a while back, turns out the poster was just faking it to see how many people would believe him.

Yeah and I'm pretty sure that's what the majority of people would think because that's exactly what I would think that if I saw this somewhere on the internet. And I am considering every other option including having the bird medically examined. I understand that roosters cannot lay eggs and I also understand there has to be an explanation for this. Maybe it is something as simple as an overlooked egg however unlikely. But I've been in that coupe several times cleaning it out and those boxes were completely void of anything when I put him in there. But I will keep an open mind even though I do agree it sounds ridiculous.

 

[NatJ]

In my opinion, that’s 100% a rooster. I don’t know how the egg got there, but it sure didn’t come out of him. There was a thread like this a while back, turns out the poster was just faking it to see how many people would believe him.

I agree that OP's bird LOOKS like a rooster. Whether it is a (very rare) hen that lays eggs while looking like a rooster, or a (less rare) case of a prank, I can't say for sure.

But it is possible-- and scientifically documented-- for a chicken to externally appear as a rooster but actually be a hen capable of laying eggs.

The ones I best remember from previous research were hens that grew up looking female, and laid eggs, and later took on a male appearance. They later returned to laying eggs, while retaining the male appearance. OP's story is a bit different, because this bird had the male feathers & comb before the first egg appeared, rather than growing up as a normal female and then changing later.

I am watching with interest to see what happens next

 

[-Chanticleer-]

Im intrigued if it lays it may lay again tomorrow. So watch it. Also I’d check the vent too.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I agree that OP's bird LOOKS like a rooster. Whether it is a (very rare) hen that lays eggs while looking like a rooster, or a (less rare) case of a prank, I can't say for sure.

But it is possible-- and scientifically documented-- for a chicken to externally appear as a rooster but actually be a hen capable of laying eggs.

The ones I best remember from previous research were hens that grew up looking female, and laid eggs, and later took on a male appearance. They later returned to laying eggs, while retaining the male appearance. OP's story is a bit different, because this bird had the male feathers & comb before the first egg appeared, rather than growing up as a normal female and then changing later.

I am watching with interest to see what happens next

I had a salmon faverolle that had a partially black chest, so I can certainly believe hens that appear with male coloring

 

[EggSighted4Life]

laying a fertilized egg a self fertilized egg would be quite another!

Welcome to BYC!

Parthenogenesis (self fertilization) is a thing..

https://www.cacklehatchery.com/can-...arthenogenesis has been,First egg in a clutch

https://www.thepoultrysite.com/arti...-normal-fertilization-and-embryonic-mortality

This is regarding quail.. but still avian in example..

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119391485

Some hens have developed the male specific saddle feathers.. usually when an ovary is damaged.. and interestingly enough.. egg follicles are only released from one of the ovaries (maybe the other one produces hormones??).. In theory an ovarian cyst or tumor for example of possible "damage" that could come and go..

Also.. some folks might wanna breeding project for male feathered hens.. I've always thought they were pretty.. but some folks can't keep roosters.. I mean it's a terrible ideal and so frustrating when nothing we used to "know" holds true anymore.. to SOME degree.. on the other hand.. how amazing is it when you can NEVER know it all?!!

A good little mystery, assuming the OP is sincere!

 

[CityFarmerRob]

I agree that OP's bird LOOKS like a rooster. Whether it is a (very rare) hen that lays eggs while looking like a rooster, or a (less rare) case of a prank, I can't say for sure.

But it is possible-- and scientifically documented-- for a chicken to externally appear as a rooster but actually be a hen capable of laying eggs.

The ones I best remember from previous research were hens that grew up looking female, and laid eggs, and later took on a male appearance. They later returned to laying eggs, while retaining the male appearance. OP's story is a bit different, because this bird had the male feathers & comb before the first egg appeared, rather than growing up as a normal female and then changing later.

I am watching with interest to see what happens next

I've already spoken with a specialist from Ohio State University and they agree it's an extremely rare thing and they want to look into a little bit more themselves so I sent them some pictures and they may want to examine the bird. If it is a prank or a hoax then it was played on me!

Welcome to BYC!

Parthenogenesis (self fertilization) is a thing..

https://www.cacklehatchery.com/can-eggs-hatch-without-a-rooster/#:~:text=In chickens, parthenogenesis has been,First egg in a clutch

https://www.thepoultrysite.com/arti...-normal-fertilization-and-embryonic-mortality

This is regarding quail.. but still avian in example..

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119391485

Some hens have developed the male specific saddle feathers.. usually when an ovary is damaged.. and interestingly enough.. egg follicles are only released from one of the ovaries (maybe the other one produces hormones??).. In theory an ovarian cyst or tumor for example of possible "damage" that could come and go..

Also.. some folks might wanna breeding project for male feathered hens.. I've always thought they were pretty.. but some folks can't keep roosters.. I mean it's a terrible ideal and so frustrating when nothing we used to "know" holds true anymore.. to SOME degree.. on the other hand.. how amazing is it when you can NEVER know it all?!!

A good little mystery, assuming the OP is sincere!

Yeah and this day and age I agree just about anything is possible, half the people on this planet probably believe Jurassic Park was real. But I've contacted Ohio State University and sent them some pictures and I'm going to follow up with them. They might want to examine the bird and I really want an answer to what's going on here! I'll keep you all posted.

 

[Chikyboy]

Looks like a rooster. Does it crow?

 

[CityFarmerRob]

Looks like a rooster. Does it crow?

Oh yes very nicely starting with the rest of them about 4:00 a.m. .

 

[SueT]

I really hope he lays another egg! He’ll be a BYC celebrity!

 

[CityFarmerRob]

I really hope he lays another egg! He’ll be a BYC celebrity!

Yeah I'm excited to see what happens myself. I'll be keeping up close eye on him or her or whatever I will definitely keep the site posted. I still really can't believe it happened and I'm still looking for ways to explain it other than the rooster apparently laid an egg. But OMG if that's the case then what a thing right!