Not Laying & Crowing

[UK_chicken]

Hi there, we have got 3 chickens, 1 Bluebelle & 2 Black Rocks and they are about 18 months old.

For about 3 months, the Bluebelle has started crowing. Simultaneously, stopping laying eggs. 1 of the Black Rock then started doing same, stopped laying eggs, started mimicking the crowing, but is not a patch on the Bluebelle for loudness.

I've read a few posts on here about why eggs stop laying, but this seems to be more connected with the larger chicken morphing into a rooster (like how is that even possible?!). Is there anything I can do to rectify the hormone balance, like particular foods that would help ?

They don't look like they moulting, no feathers on the ground, they look healthy, eating, 1 of them still laying, so I just don't know what's going on, like if they were stressed or the food, it would affect them all, but 1 still lays.

Also, we live in a Town and definitely this early morning noise is going to freak the people out, so I have to do something........Tried to take Bluebelle aside in the evening, but as soon as put back in the coup, starts the crowing, don't have another place I can take her. Anyways, then 1 of the Black Rock took up louder crowing, so that was definitely a fail.

If you have suggestions, good to hear them.

 

[wrathsfarm]

Pics of each would help to confirm your suspicions.
It's pretty rare for a hen to morph into a rooster. I've heard of hens crowing so that's not uncommon but my only experience is with one of my broody hens that's started crowing with chicks in tow.

If your saying you can't own roosters in your town, then the decision should be fairly straight forward.

Re-home, sell or harvest the crowers.

Added..If your cockerels are overstressing the girls this could impact daily egg production.

 

[Kiki]

Pictures of each bird please.

 

[sourland]

Pictures ?

 

[UK_chicken]

Here are all 3 birds, 1 of the Black Rock got snapped twice.

 

[UK_chicken]

Wondering if its the oyster shell stuff as they look look large, like pea sized stones ? Am told that's normal, but feels weird they would swallow that ?

 

[The Coop Crew]

I’ve actually been reading a ton of information about hens turning into roosters! It’s wild. It can happen but it’s rare-ish (1 in 100 birds). I’m following along to see what people have to say!

 

[MamaPoult]

Here are all 3 birds, 1 of the Black Rock got snapped twice.
View attachment 3876606View attachment 3876607View attachment 3876608

How weird! They look like roos on their heads but hen everywhere else!!!

 

[MamaPoult]

I’ve actually been reading a ton of information about hens turning into roosters! It’s wild. It can happen but it’s rare-ish (1 in 100 birds). I’m following along to see what people have to say!

I'm following along too now!

 

[Dandanthechickenman]

I have this exact issue, one stopped laying in early spring and hasn't restarted. She also tries to crow, but it isn't a proper crow. She's just turned one year old and the 3 others are still laying daily and have done since they first started. I've tired worming and stopping treats and nothing has made her restart. So I will also be following on to see what the outcome might be!
Edit: I should also say she still goes and sits on the others eggs at what was her usual laying time, sits for about an hour then gets up and goes about her business.