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Hen that thinks its a cock ???

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  • #1

    Hen that thinks its a cock ???

    Hi, doing the chicken chores noticed one of my girls pin another down, jump on its back, start flapping its wings as it pecked the comb and head feathers of the pinned one.

    Is she confused, do I have an imposter, or is it a pecking order thing?
    82.6% of people believe any statstic!
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  • #2
    Hmm, sounds strange. How old are they? Have you had them long? Can you see any damage on any of your birds. A photo of the said bird would be great if you could get one?
    If it is a girl, I would put her in a separate run asap. Actually pulling feathers out can lead to lots of other problems and its best to nip it in the bud quick.

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    • #3
      It's very common for ducks to tread each other if they don't have a drake, but I've never seen hens doing it.

      Hens do sometimes go through a sex-reversal, but they develop the physical characteristics of a male as well as the behaviour - growing a bigger comb and wattles, longer tail feathers, spurs, crowing etc. And not laying any eggs. Is yours showing any of those signs?

      Spontaneous Sex Reversal - Did My Hen Just Become a Rooster?! | Backyard Poultry Magazine

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      • #4
        Originally posted by Zelenina View Post
        It's very common for ducks to tread each other if they don't have a drake, but I've never seen hens doing it.

        Hens do sometimes go through a sex-reversal
        Ive read the "sex-reversal" thing before. It's very rare. Usually caused by a hormone imbalance, left ovary problem/cyst etc. I've never seen it, and never heard of any hen keeper reporting it.
        As for hens treading etc, I have seen a case ( not my hens) she had stopped laying and became a bully. Though she didn't start sporting head gear and Spurs. She didn't live long after it and I'm sure she was ill.
        What you find more common though, is keepers being sold young poults which turns into a young cockerel....

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        • #5
          Hi, I will try to have a closer inspection but she looks like a normal healthy hen, not really any bigger than the rest, comb about the same, doesnt crow, I just assumed it was a bit of a domination thing as I have seen in dogs male and female.

          I rescued them from the local "free range" chicken farm when they were about 1.5 years old and about to sent to slaughter, matbe its lived a very happy life in a barn full of hens as an unnoticed male but it doesnt look like one.

          As for not laying, I have 4 nest boxes and 8 hens with about 6 eggs a day and honestly have not a clue who lays and who doesn't, just assumed they all laid but not daily.
          Last edited by janzbro; 03-04-2015, 08:31 PM.
          82.6% of people believe any statstic!

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          • #6
            She just might be vying for top spot. At that age it would be obvious if she was a boy. Though I wwould check her over to make sure she is well. My cockeral doesn't peck the hens combs, if she draws bloods the other hens won't leave it alone.

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            • #7
              very interesting, they take on the some physical characteristics but not the required "tools" for the job so to speak.
              82.6% of people believe any statstic!

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