It was a cool late summer morning, and I was enjoying my first cup of coffee on our deck. The sun was just starting to warm things up when I heard it. I listened closely because I wasn’t exactly sure what noise I had just experienced. It was coming from one of my chickens, and it sounded like a weak rooster crow. I set my coffee down and listened, and there it was again!
What in the world? Was one of my roosters not feeling well? As some of you may know, I have a “no rooster rule”. I currently have 2 roosters. Haha! Oh well, that’s a story for a different day! Anyway, I put my chicken shoes on and walked down to the coop wondering what I might find. The noise just kept coming. As I approached the coop, imagine my surprise when I see Cyndi Lauper, my White Crested Blue Polish hen, crowing like a rooster!
Hens Crowing? 3 Reasons Why it Happens
You might be wondering, why would a hen crow like a rooster? It’s not as uncommon as you might think! While it’s rare, hens sometimes take on this unusual behavior for a few reasons. Let’s explore why Cyndi (and other hens) might start crowing.!
Believe it or not, she’s not the first nor the last hen to crow. I haven’t heard her crow since that summer morning, but why is she doing it in the first place?
1. Your Hen Is Trying to Take the Top Spot
In flocks with roosters, hens are constantly around crowing. Occasionally, a brave hen might decide to challenge the roosters for dominance. This could be what Cyndi was doing. I had recently added two roosters to the flock, and maybe she thought she’d take a shot at being the leader. While her crow was pretty weak, she gave it a try
2. The Hen Is Aging
As hens age and surpass peak egg production, their reproductive system undergoes changes. Hens typically hit their peak around the two-year mark, after which their hormones start to drop. These hormonal changes can affect their reproductive organs, and in some cases, cause them to start crowing.
3. Genetics Play a Role
Genetics can also influence a hen’s behavior, including crowing. Some hens might just have the genes that make them think they’re born to crow. In Cyndi’s case, she’s on the smaller side for a Polish hen, so it’s possible her genetics are at play. However, since she’s otherwise healthy and full of personality, I think it’s more likely she was trying to assert herself in the pecking order.
Cyndi: The Sassy Hen Who Thinks She’s King
Cyndi is definitely one-of-a-kind. She’s got a fiery personality, rarely lets me catch her and apparently, she thinks she’s the "King" of the flock. While she hasn’t crowed since that morning, it’s clear she’s a special chicken who keeps things interesting in the coop!
Have you ever had a hen crow? I’d love to hear your stories!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady