[Pundyburn Lynn]

Hello folks,


We have a very small mixed flock at the moment with no cockerel.  I was astounded to see one of my Marans mount a Light Sussex and behave in exactly the same way as if she were a cockerel.  The Light Sussex also obliged! Everything about the act was identical to cockerel and hen mating behaviour! 


We only introduced the two Marans a couple of months ago, and they've definitely been bottom of the pecking order, so they're not the dominant birds.  Any ideas?


Lynn

[shygirl]

there are cases of birds changing sex...........

[in the hills]

If no cockerel present, a hen will often assume the role of the cockerel. They tend to be the dominant hen of the flock. They mount other hens and act as the 'watch' as the cockerel would normally do, warning the flock of danger. We often had a hen in that role before we kept cockerels .... now they don't have to bother. 

[Pundyburn Lynn]

Hello 'in the hills'


I've also heard of this where the hens are dominant, but not when they're the lowest in the pecking order!


Lynn

[AndynJ]

  bent as ten bob note 

[in the hills]

 

Could it be that these new birds are working their way up the pecking order and this is one way of asserting dominance?

[chrismahon]

Are you certain the Marans are not cockerels LL?

[Daisys Mum]

I was positive that I had culled all my male quail but a couple of months ago I could hear the distinctive sound of a male, I am sure that one has changed sex!

[Steph Hen]

I have a leghorn who does this, even with cocks. She is the only bird to lay a white egg and continues to do so (so definitely a hen!). The boys are never very impressed, never seen one of them mount her. She rules the roost.