Chickens Change Sex

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   Jackie Lynnleyposted 9 years ago

   I read this a few months back that this happens like if there are only hens and a rooster is needed for... well...populating. I can't recall where I found that info. Do you have any knowledge on this?

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      The Examiner-1posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I have checked several sites Jackie, science sites and non-science sites and so far only one I have come across said no. This one had a Dr. and seems to describe it best (below her photo):  http://www.urbanchickenpodcast.com/ucp-episode-018/
      I hope this helps.
      I also saw the site which Dr. Mark mentioned. I first read about someone in the UK who this happened to.

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         Jackie Lynnleyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         That is really interesting Kevin; thank you!

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            Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            These are all very interesting answers and I have learned a lot from your post here, Jackie.  I hope you continue to get more information.

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               Jackie Lynnleyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks Faith, I am hoping mine is not turning...but I don't get that 5th egg always. Lucky if it is every other day anymore. Hens are fussy though and don't like to be upset and Sally and Sophie have fun with them every now and then. They don't seem to be upset over it but maybe....lol

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                  Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  Oh ... they may be a tad bit upset with Sally and Sophie messing with them, possibly.  LOL

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                     Jackie Lynnleyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                     Sally was in with them today and trying to attack them but they were busy following me around and paid her no mind so I am inclined to believe they see them as not big threat. lol Sophie plays with them but I think Sally means business sometimes and she will eat just anything! haha

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            The Examiner-1posted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Thank you Jackie, I am glad that you found it interesting.

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               Jackie Lynnleyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

               I did, Kevin; love anything interesting, and that was.

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               Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

               That is interesting, Kevin!

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   psycheskinnerposted 9 years ago

   Its Incorrect.  Sex is determined genetically in chickens and cannot change. Sex change can occur in certain other species, mainly fish.

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      Jackie Lynnleyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Was sure that I did read that somewhere; will be interested to hear others comment to see if they have different info.

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   DrMark1961posted 9 years ago

   I have heard of this too but the "rooster" is actually just a hen that is acting the part. She is not able to produce any chicks, despite having a sex organ producing the secondary sex characteristics (like wattles).
   http://www.livescience.com/13514-sex-ch … kerel.html
   The link is one case but I think it is very rare. I keep hens without a rooster and this has never happened in my flock.

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      Jackie Lynnleyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I only have hens but one is getting the rooster look is why I wondered! Yet I thought I read it was for survival of the brood or whatever. Will check your link though; thanks so much. I knew I didn't dream it!
      That was funny! Thanks!

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         DrMark1961posted 9 years agoin reply to this

         I have a flock of free range hens. I never keep a rooster since I prefer to buy my chicks instead of letting my hens brood. (I do not have an incubator here because of the erratic electricity.) Despite that, I have never seen it.
         You should take pictures of your hen as she is changing. I am sure many of us would like to see the changes.

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            Jackie Lynnleyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            I do have earlier pictures but have been lax in getting any shots lately; will start doing so though in case it shows maybe what even I don't notice. Thanks.

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   WittyBBerryposted 9 years ago

   Frogs can gender change, but I'm not sure about anything else?

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      Jackie Lynnleyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Frogs? Oh no don't get me started on those!

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   bBereanposted 9 years ago

   Chickens change sex? 
   
   I heard they were afraid to take it past cross dressing.

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