Do Hens Crow? Do You Have a Gender Diverse Chicken? 5 Surprising Reasons
So, you’re out in the yard this morning, coffee in hand, when you hear it.
A long, proud, crackly “ERR-err-err-err-ERRRR!” from the chicken pen.
Have you ever wondered, do hens crow?
You nearly drop your mug, and you imagine the neighbors’ complaints. The rooster left months ago… so, who’s doing the wake-up call?
This surprising behavior leads to an interesting question: Do Hens Crow?
Turns out, it’s one of the hens — a regular, egg-laying, bossy-boots girl called Ruth, with a newfound love for morning announcements. Hey, she’s getting on in years. It is to be expected.
Yes, hens crow. And no, it doesn’t automatically mean you’ve accidentally adopted a rooster in dress.
Why Hens Crow
1. Top Hen Syndrome
When there’s no rooster around, the alpha hen sometimes steps into the boss role. That includes crowing to announce her dominance — loud and proud.
2. Hormone Shuffle
If a hen’s ovaries slow down or get damaged (age, illness, injury), estrogen drops, and rooster-like traits can appear. Damage or disease in a hen’s ovary can lower estrogen and allow male traits (like crowing, bigger combs, or even spurs) to emerge.
3. Age factor – Older hens sometimes start crowing, especially after a moult or during hormone changes.
4. Post-Moult Drama
After a seasonal moult, some hens come back… different. Bigger combs, deeper voices, more “look at me” energy.
5. Pure Personality
Some hens are just extra. They crow because they can — and because it gets attention.
The Egg Test
Simple rule: If she’s still laying, she’s still a hen.
Roosters don’t lay eggs — not even the so-called “gender diverse” ones in the barnyard gossip chain.
And while we’re on the subject of surprising chicken facts, here’s another one people often get wrong — do chickens have teeth? The answer might surprise you.
Should You Be Concerned?
Usually, no. But keep an eye out for:
- A sudden stop in egg laying
- Changes in comb/wattle size
- Aggressive behaviour toward other hens
If you’re worried, a quick check-in with a poultry-friendly vet can rule out any health problems.
You can also find helpful hen health advice here: RSPCA Poultry Care Advice (external link, opens in new tab).
For mite or worm treatment products I use on my hens, check out this hen health kit (external link, opens in new tab). — It’s been a lifesaver in my flock! (Affiliate link — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Why I Love a Crowing Hen
Her crow might be scratchy, late, and completely off-key — but it’s hers.
And honestly? I admire it. She’s rewriting the barnyard rulebook and telling the world she’s in charge.
So, if one of your girls belts out a morning aria, don’t panic. She’s probably not a stealth rooster — just a hen living her best, most awesome life! And yes, the answer to “do hens crow?” is definitely yes
Do hens crow every day?
Not always. Some hens only crow when the flock’s routine changes or if they feel threatened. Others will crow daily, especially if they’ve taken on the “alpha” role.
Can a hen turn into a rooster?
Not biologically. But hormonal changes can make a hen develop rooster-like traits, such as crowing, growing spurs, or even sprouting larger combs.
Is crowing harmful for hens?
No. Crowing itself won’t hurt a hen, but any sudden behavioural change should be monitored for underlying health issues.
What makes a hen start crowing all of a sudden?
A sudden crowing habit can be triggered by losing a rooster, changes in flock hierarchy, hormonal shifts, or even something as simple as a new routine in the yard.
Do hens crow louder than roosters?
Usually, no — a hen’s crow is often shorter, raspier, and less booming than a rooster’s. But some determined hens can get surprisingly loud when they feel the need to make an announcement.
Can you train a hen to stop crowing?
Not really. You can try minimising triggers like sudden light changes or noisy neighbours, but if a hen wants to crow, she’ll crow. It’s part of her personality, and it’s usually harmless.
