BUT, I'm afraid "she" may be a "he". Its been many years since I last kept chickens and I've slept since then so I don't remember everything I should. This large chicken has a much larger comb and holds her tail much higher than the others. "She" has also begun to bully a smaller hen, Martha.
While potentially having a rooster is a separate issue, I need to figure out what to do for poor Martha. She is hiding in the coop and can't even get a drink without being jumped on.
Please post any input you feel may be helpful. Thanks.
Hi, Amy! I have read that sometimes chickens may look like the opposite sex and I think that is true because I have a Buff Orpington rooster that lays eggs. Go figure. Anyway, if you have all hens, oftentimes one will assume dominance of the flock and take on rooster behaviors. To save wear and tear on your (and poor Martha's) nerves, go sharpen the hatchet.
ReplyDelete"She" crowed today. sigh.
ReplyDelete1. You will know soon if this is a rooster...he won't be able to hold in his crow
ReplyDelete2. Most of the time the roosters never ever pick on hens...they know that if they do then ....how do i put this nicely...the hens won't put out later?
3. If the hen who is getting picked on starts to bleed, immediatly take her and put Vicks Vapor Rub on the wound...it will keep the other chickens from killing her. They are really evil. Don't ever pass out in the pen...you won't make it out alive...seriously :)
I love chickens though. They are very entertaining.