no rooster but...

[vclark321]

I only have 3 hens, but in the absence of a rooster will the top hen in the pecking order take over watching out for the rest of the flock? My oldest hen seems to be on guard and watching out as the others free range and scratch. Is that part of the process? Thanks!

 

[colebarnhart]

Yes and I've read that they can even start to crow and try to mount the other hens and stop laying eggs, it sounds crazy but people claim to have had it happen.

 

[vclark321]

Thank you for the good info! How am I going to explain this one to city officials?!? LOL! Can I say she is gender confused? Or should I just have them feel her up for dangly bits? That would certainly make MY day! I am still hoping she will be the first to lay an egg. Judging by comb color, she is the reddest so far. And they start to lay about 20 - 24 weeks? I have 2 weeks to go at the least. Waiting, waiting, waiting. Thanks again!

 

[kreolechick]

I have a beautiful RR hen that loves to play rooster with the others, the first time I saw that I just about fell off my chair!

 

[scfire]

Quote:
I have a hen that does indeed crow. Boy she is going to be confused in a few days when the new rooster shows up.