RIR HEN!!!!

[WindingRoad]

Acting like a ROOSTER. I know she is a HEN because I have literally watched her lay an egg. But every once in a while she will jump on my other RIR hen like a mating rooster. I get her off quickly. But I can't be in the coop every moment. Or in the run. I'm a why person. So my question is WHY? And should I being doing something about it. I have no roosters.

 

[casportpony]

Maybe @centrarchid can answer your questions.

 

[WindingRoad]

I don't know if it is a problem or not. Just curious.

 

[casportpony]

I don't know if it is a problem or not. Just curious.

@centrarchid knows a lot about behavior, I am hoping he will comment.

 

[WindingRoad]

@centrarchid knows a lot about behavior, I am hoping he will comment.

Thanks.

 

[centrarchid]

Animals of both sexes produce hormones associated with both maleness and femaleness at the same time. In males, typically male hormones are comparatively higher while in females, female hormones are comparatively higher. On the female side testosterone can increase as she comes into lay and while in lay. If my understanding is correct the testosterone promotes outgoingness needed to assert herself among flock as she selects nest site and keeps her from running from the much more assertive male. Under some conditions, especially in the absence of a dominant male, the hormone balance towards male side can promote more decidedly male like behaviors like trying to mate with other females.

I can tell by watching my game hens when the male hormones become more influential as the hens do become more inclined to fight, especially with other hens in a similar state.

Not all hens exhibit the more extreme male like behaviors even under the exact conditions. I seldom maintain females without a dominant male present, currently is an exception. I have seven hens essentially isolated from even each other. No body is crowing, but the are acting more aggressive. The behavior change is one that would increase how obvious they are to males looking or a lady friend.