Old English Game bantam mystery

[Chuckadoodledo]

Hi everyone,

Hoping you can help with this mystery. We have two 9-year-old Old English Game bantam hens that we've raised since they were chicks. A few months ago, one of them started changing color and plumage, including much longer tail feathers. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she's starting to look like a roo! Has anyone experienced anything like this before or have any ideas what's going on?? Photos attached!

 

[Silviaschicks]

In the first two pics the one on the right is a roo, left is a hen

 

[cherrynberry]

The hen with the hurt ovary is on the right in the first picture. Originally was a hen, but hurt her ovary, had a hormonal change, and now looks like a rooster. Still cant fertilize eggs though.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Hi everyone,

Hoping you can help with this mystery. We have two 9-year-old Old English Game bantam hens that we've raised since they were chicks. A few months ago, one of them started changing color and plumage, including much longer tail feathers. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she's starting to look like a roo! Has anyone experienced anything like this before or have any ideas what's going on?? Photos attached!

You say 9 years old, so both are hens?

The change in feathers indicates Damaged ovary.

 

[Chuckadoodledo]

Thanks folks! Yes, they are 9 years old and both are indeed hens -- they both looked the same up until a few months ago. My theory had been 'chicken menopause' or some kind of hormonal change, but I've raised chickens for 25+ years and never seen or heard anything like this before.

Is anyone aware of articles or other posts where something similar has occurred?

 

[cherrynberry]

Here are two examples. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/transgender-hen.1486957/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-hen’s-feathers-changed-color.1486268/

 

[Chuckadoodledo]

Here are two examples. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/transgender-hen.1486957/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-hen’s-feathers-changed-color.1486268/

Fascinating. Thank you!

 

[TheOddOneOut]

In the first two pics the one on the right is a roo, left is a hen

Next time read the post lol.
This is a nine year old hen.
She must’ve damaged an ovary.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

Hi everyone,

Hoping you can help with this mystery. We have two 9-year-old Old English Game bantam hens that we've raised since they were chicks. A few months ago, one of them started changing color and plumage, including much longer tail feathers. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she's starting to look like a roo! Has anyone experienced anything like this before or have any ideas what's going on?? Photos attached!

This is so interesting! Do you have more pictures? Were you able to get any of the stage between looking like a hen and looking like a rooster?