A Hen That Crows Like A Rooster?
2 Feb
“Hi! Love your newsletter! I have four Banty Hens and a Rooster. Mr. Ricardo crows when I cone home in the morning. Lately, Lucy, one of my hens has been crowing after the rooster crows! It was an awkward crow at first, but now she’s a little louder, and she definitely crows.
The locals here in North Carolina tell me that means someone is going to die, and to kill the chicken. She does all the rooster posturing when she crows. I’m not sure if she is laying, I think she is because I will get three eggs one day, then a day or two later one egg, which I think is hers. Is she really crowing? Is that all that unusual? Look forward to your reply!!!” ~ Cat.
Hi Cat, thanks so much for the question.
Isn’t local lore interesting?
I love to sit with older people and listen to them tell stories about the area and this legend or that.
It is true that occasionally a hen will crow. This is most often seen when the rooster has been removed from the flock. Apparently a hen just takes it upon herself to take his place in the area of noise making.
Because Mr. Ricardo is still there though, I wonder if Lucy really is a rooster instead of a hen. You didn’t mention the breed(s) of your flock so I can’t give you any physical indicators to look for other than the typical differences; larger in size, foot spurs, longer waddle and comb.
The other reason I wonder if she’s a rooster is because you’re not getting 4 eggs on any given day.
It could just be that one of your hens is more prolific than the others and it is her additional egg you’re seeing on those off day.
If your flock is young, let’s say under a year, it could very well be that Lucy – the rooster – is just now getting the urge to crow. (more…)
