Think my hen is trying to crow

[Danniro]

She's a welsummer, about 3.5 years old if that matters. She's always been SUPER noisy, every morning egg or not she'll do the bwuck bwuck bwuck BWACK call and get all the other hens (4 total) to join in with her, it will last 10+ minutes sometimes

. But her call changed recently, now she builds with the bwuck bwuck but the end sounds like a countertenor rooster being strangled. It's really awful sounding, and I can kinda hear the rhythm of a rooster crow in it so I worry that's what she's working towards. She's pretty mean and aggressive to the other chickens, definitely the biggest too.

So I'm not sure what to do, if anything, We live in the city sooo.. I'm pretty sure the neighbors haven't complained yet because on one side they're relatives and on the other they're animal lovers.

 

[pdirt]

Haven't seen it yet myself, but I have read that sometimes a hen (usually older in age) will start to take on behaviors like a rooster, including crowing. Perhaps it's a hormonal thing (either a normal thing or genetic defect) or it's a social thing...the flock wanting the protection of a rooster.

Sounds like you have some good neighbors. Perhaps it's a good time to keep it that way by giving them each a few eggs as a thank you.

 

[Danniro]

Haven't seen it yet myself, but I have read that sometimes a hen (usually older in age) will start to take on behaviors like a rooster, including crowing. Perhaps it's a hormonal thing (either a normal thing or genetic defect) or it's a social thing...the flock wanting the protection of a rooster.

Sounds like you have some good neighbors. Perhaps it's a good time to keep it that way by giving them each a few eggs as a thank you.

Yeah I guess it could be either. I used to have a hen who had one spur. I guess we'll see if it develops

 

[azygous]

I have two Speckled Sussex crowing hens. They start off with just a lot of noise, sort of working up to a sequence of notes that meet the definition of a crow. It ends with a sort of a yodel. It's unmistakeable what they are trying to do because they even adopt the posture of a crowing rooster as they belt out these notes. Both are regular egg layers. One has been crowing for over two years, and the other started recently.

There's no indication that they're turning into roosters, although both have always had aggressive personalities. I think they do it because they enjoy it, much the same reason why roosters crow.

I also have two nine-week old cockerels that are learning to crow. The hens currently sound much more like roosters than these two little amateurs.

I also have a Welsummer hen with one inch spurs. She also lays eggs regularly. So far she hasn't crowed. There seems to be a lot of sexual overlap in my flock. We're all cool with it.

 

[Danniro]

I have two Speckled Sussex crowing hens. They start off with just a lot of noise, sort of working up to a sequence of notes that meet the definition of a crow. It ends with a sort of a yodel. It's unmistakeable what they are trying to do because they even adopt the posture of a crowing rooster as they belt out these notes. Both are regular egg layers. One has been crowing for over two years, and the other started recently.

There's no indication that they're turning into roosters, although both have always had aggressive personalities. I think they do it because they enjoy it, much the same reason why roosters crow.

I also have two nine-week old cockerels that are learning to crow. The hens currently sound much more like roosters than these two little amateurs.

I also have a Welsummer hen with one inch spurs. She also lays eggs regularly. So far she hasn't crowed. There seems to be a lot of sexual overlap in my flock. We're all cool with it.

Haha sounds like the poster child for LGBTQs.

I haven't actually observed my hen in the act as they all shut up and come running when they hear the door open. Maybe it won't progress anymore then though, from what you said

 

[Weehopper]

Sometimes they do it just because they feel good. Mine crow from time to time. Usually in the spring. To me, they sound pretty much like a cock pheasant. I think it's a sign of good health.