[sheringhamlass]

We currently have a small flock (was 8 now 7) brahma hens and 2 (now 3) cock birds.

Have been watching a light x white hen for a couple of weeks now and have noticed her neck feathers and her comb changing. It isn't that there are no cock birds, so why has she done this?

She laid last year, and, as a brahma does, went broody. So, why has she changed sex?
Don't get enough eggs out of them this time of year as it is without another cockbird. We also know that he/she cannot fertilise eggs, so another mouth to feed with produce coming back!

[Pertelotte]

I remember reading it's a lizard thing from way back in their evolution when birds were some type of dinosaur/reptile. Perhaps your (ex)hen was always going to be transgender in the way that some people are unable to continue with their birth sex. For a more accurate explanation phone a local high school once term begins and ask nicely for the head of biology - they love this stuff and should be happy to give you the low down.

As for produce, she should be worth a few squid as an article in the local rag. Give them a call and they might send a photographer with a cheque round. If you've got any pics of her from earlier then you might well be compensated for the loss of the eggs. Otherwise, you have a bio-harmonious garden pest disposal unit.

Best of British and a Happy New Year

Pertelotte

[mumofstig]

This previous thread may help

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=68503.msg783622#msg783622

and here
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-383491/The-sex-change-chicken-crows.html

[sheringhamlass]

Thanks guys for that. The paper sounds like a good idea. Gonna have to change her name now. Floss seems a bit girly for such a butch bird After a couple of weeks, he/she has grown to quite a size!

A very happy new year to all of you too

[New shoot]

My old cockerel Tweety was bought as a Speckled Ancoma hen and although he/she didn't lay, he didn't exhibit any male behaviour for about 2 years.  Then he grew a bigger comb and longer neck feathers and a bit more of a tail and started crowing after a fashion.

He was never quite right looking for a true cock bird (see below) and as a light breed, even as a bantam, he had trouble sometimes bossing the girls but he lived on till 7 years old as head honcho of the hen house