NEEPS

henny · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 6:51 pm Post subject: noisy chicken

Hi there, I have had three chickens for over a year now and all has gone well. Over the past few months one of my Orpington ladies has started to be rather vocal !!
I live on a new housing estate so not where people normaly keep hens, I don't want anyone to get annoyed with them so am keen to find out why my hen has become so loud. I am considering re-homing her if she dosn't calm down.

She isn't laying and has some feather loss but looks healthy has bright red lobes etc ?? Any ideas would be welcome.

Regards Emily x

Sassinak · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 9:39 pm Post subject:

Some chickens are naturally vocal I'm afraid.
They like to announce to the world when they have laid an egg or found something tasty to eat and there is very little you can do about it
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mike and louise · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 9:58 pm Post subject:

Is she starting to sound like a cockerel, some hens can go through a 'sex change' due to a damaged ovary, it is uncommon but can happen.

henny · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 8:36 am Post subject:

Hi there, yes she is sounding a bit cockeral like. They do make the usual noises to announce laying etc...but this chicken is going beyond this and I suppose you could descibe the noise as an attempt to crow

Sassinak · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 9:27 am Post subject:

Best bet is to keep an eye on her head-dress etc and watch to meke sure they don't grow. That and behaviour are the clearest indication if one changes sex
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henny · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 10:03 am Post subject:

Thanks - is she likely to start looking like a He ?

Sassinak · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 10:47 am Post subject:

They can do a complete feather change. It even happens in pheasants and peacocks. They grow a wonderful full tail
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Sassinak
Checkout my grandson's band
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henny · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 11:08 am Post subject:

Wow have never heard of that before - will keep an eye on her. Do you know if she is likely to revert back to normal ? I don't suppose anyone is interested in a big Orpington lady with gender issues

Sassinak · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 11:35 am Post subject:

Once changed, they can never change back and unfortunately they are not fertile as a cockerel.

A link to a really interesting page which explains much more clearly than I can lol

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKChange.html
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Sassinak
Checkout my grandson's band
www.engravedMetal.co.uk

www.whinhill.me.uk
Our Dogs - www.nyumbanibordercollies.co.uk

areader · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 4:25 pm Post subject:

Hi there,

I have a little duck that last year changed sex - she turned from a brown mallard cross duck into a lovely mallard cross drake. Her voice has changed into a squeeky quack!

Alice.