- May 4, 2007
- 54
- 1
- 39
We got four chicks in March. They were supposed to be all hens. However, one of our hen chicks, Frixie, was supposed to be a Golden-Laced Wyandotte chick.
As time went on and no "golden laces" were forthcoming, we decided that a Silver-Laced Wyandotte had gotten in the wrong chick brooder. But she didn't look like a Wyandotte. Further research showed us we have a Barred Plymouth Rock. She looks exactly like the pictures of the Barred Plymouth Rock hens we see on websites and in books.
A couple of weeks ago, Frixie began to moult. At that time, her behavior began to change. She has always been larger than the other chicks and dominant, but now she seems more like a guy running a harem. Her comb and wattles have enlarged and become more prominent. Her new tail feathers are long and droopy, rooster-style. And... "she" is crowing!
Frixie does not have spurs, however.
What's going on here? Do I have a rooster? Or just an incredibly bossy hen whose hormones are going amok?
sigh... Thanks!
As time went on and no "golden laces" were forthcoming, we decided that a Silver-Laced Wyandotte had gotten in the wrong chick brooder. But she didn't look like a Wyandotte. Further research showed us we have a Barred Plymouth Rock. She looks exactly like the pictures of the Barred Plymouth Rock hens we see on websites and in books.
A couple of weeks ago, Frixie began to moult. At that time, her behavior began to change. She has always been larger than the other chicks and dominant, but now she seems more like a guy running a harem. Her comb and wattles have enlarged and become more prominent. Her new tail feathers are long and droopy, rooster-style. And... "she" is crowing!
Frixie does not have spurs, however.
What's going on here? Do I have a rooster? Or just an incredibly bossy hen whose hormones are going amok?
sigh... Thanks!
