The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: northfifeduckling on May 04, 2011, 11:02:56 pm

Title: sex changing chickens!
Post by: northfifeduckling on May 04, 2011, 11:02:56 pm
To my amazement I just read this  :o :o

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/two-scottish-hens-undergo-full-sex-change.html (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/two-scottish-hens-undergo-full-sex-change.html)
Title: Re: sex changing chickens!
Post by: gillsta on May 05, 2011, 07:14:01 am
How weird or is it a joke  ???
Title: Re: sex changing chickens!
Post by: daddymatty82 on May 05, 2011, 08:20:39 am
Its true we have had 2 hens/cocks its quite common really
Title: Re: sex changing chickens!
Post by: Sylvia on May 05, 2011, 09:34:33 am
It's true in all animals, humans included. They start out as female and end up male. All new foetus are female and it's only when the gender whatsits (can't remember the word!!) kick in that it decides whether the baby will be male or female. Which makes clear why some folk aren't sure which they are or look like one and are really t'other :-\  Does that make sense? (I have been workijng hard all night!)
Title: Re: sex changing chickens!
Post by: gillsta on May 06, 2011, 06:44:38 am
Well thanks. I would never have known this about chickens. Will be keeping an eye on mine now. ;D
Title: Re: sex changing chickens!
Post by: Hilarysmum on May 06, 2011, 08:25:50 am
I didnt know that about humans.  Fascinating. This reminded me of a friend's sow who had given birth several times quite successfully, had a prolapse and was sent to the local abattoir.  Friend knew the staff well and when collecting the carcass (it was some time before all the recent regulations) one of the slaughtermen asked her why she had called her male pig Roseanne.  Apparently the pig had all the male organs as well on the inside.  (I never really believed her until reading this).
Title: Re: sex changing chickens!
Post by: princesspiggy on May 06, 2011, 11:09:20 am
it was spoken about in detail on the programme - "secret of life chickens" last year.  :wave: