Why My Hen is Crowing – Reasons Will Surprise You?

The first thing I do in the morning is have a cup of coffee and head out to the chicken coop to check with my flocks.

I expected gentle clucks and coos, but one day, I heard a crowing sound out of nowhere.

My mind was a bit lost, but later, I learned the reason why my hen was crowing. This might be worrying for those who have just started raising chickens.

But you don’t have to worry about the hen making a crowing sound. Though it might sound like a rooster, experienced people can easily differentiate between a hen crowing and a rooster.

After knowing the reason behind hen crowing, I’ll also list the normal noises hens make.

Why Do Hens Crow?

It is rare but not as uncommon as new flock owners might think. The reason behind this unusual behaviour can be the pecking order to assert dominance, the absence of a rooster, or a rise in testosterone levels.

You don’t have to worry about the crowing; however, checking around the cause can avoid any severe health issues.

Let’s now dive deeper into the reason behind crowing.

Check this: How to Get Rid of Chicken Mites and Lice Naturally?

1. Pecking Order and Hen Dominance

Pecking order is a natural social structure among flocks that helps them maintain proper order.

This hierarchy is important for flock stability and survival; it determines access to food, nesting spots, and other resources.

Typically, a rooster takes on the top role, leading the flock and keeping the peace.

However, when there’s no rooster, a hen often assumes the role of leader. This dominant “alpha” hen may start to display rooster-like behaviours, and crowing is one way she asserts her newfound authority.

Crowing can be a way of announcing her dominance on other flocks. The crowing serves several purposes:

• Claiming Authority: The crow reinforces her status, letting other hens know who’s in charge.
• Territory Marking: Much like a rooster, a dominant hen may use crowing to signal her control over the flock’s space.
• Flock Protection: Occasionally, the lead hen might show protective behaviours, keeping an eye on potential threats or guiding hens to safety, though her instincts aren’t as strong as a rooster’s.

Crowing is often accompanied by other dominant behaviours, like pecking or feather-pulling, which can cause friction among the hens.

In most cases, hens will naturally settle down once a stable pecking order is re-established.

If crowing and aggression persist for weeks, accompanied by feather pulling and pecking, then you should temporarily separate the alpha hen. You can reintroduce the hen after a few weeks.

2. Hormonal Imbalance: Rise in Testosterone Levels

It might seem unusual for new flock owners, but hens can experience shifts in their hormones that lead to more “masculine” behaviours, including crowing.

This rise in testosterone, usually the primary male hormone, can happen for several reasons, and it can cause a hen to act more like a rooster.

In some cases, hens even develop physical traits often associated with males, such as larger combs, wattles, or even the beginnings of spurs.

Hens typically produce deficient testosterone, but certain conditions can increase it.

If a hen’s ovary is injured or affected by illness, her hormonal balance may shift, resulting in higher testosterone levels.

This can also happen in flocks without roosters, where a dominant hen may naturally develop more rooster-like traits and behaviours, filling the leadership gap as her body adapts to the social structure.

Occasionally, genetics also play a role, with some hens being predisposed to slightly higher testosterone levels.

Also Read: How Cold Is Too Cold For Chickens?

Signs of Testosterone-Driven Changes in Hens

When testosterone levels rise, hens may show several noticeable changes:

• Crowing: One of the most obvious signs is crowing. Unlike a rooster, a hen’s crow tends to be shorter and quieter and may sound a bit strained. Still, it’s a clear signal that her hormone levels are affecting her behaviour.
• Aggressive Behaviors: Hens experiencing hormonal shifts may display more aggressive or territorial behaviours, such as chasing or pecking at other hens.
• Physical Changes: With an increase in testosterone, hens can develop more pronounced combs and wattles, which are usually characteristics of roosters. In some cases, hens even grow small spurs, especially on their legs.
• Reduction in Egg Laying: Hormonal imbalances often disrupt the egg-laying cycle. A hen with elevated testosterone may lay fewer eggs or stop laying altogether as the shift in hormones impacts her reproductive system.

Also Read: Why Are My Chickens Laying Small Eggs?

How to Manage a Hen’s Hormonal Imbalance?

In many cases, a hen’s testosterone-driven changes aren’t permanent and might lessen over time, mainly if the imbalance is caused by temporary stress or environmental factors. Here are some tips for handling this situation:

1. Observe Her Health: Monitor the hen for signs of illness or distress, as hormonal shifts sometimes indicate underlying health issues. If her behaviours persist, consulting a veterinarian may help rule out any physical problems affecting her reproductive organs.
2. Reduce Stress in the Flock: Minimizing stress within the flock can help prevent dominant hens from stepping into a “rooster” role. Ensure plenty of food and water stations, space, and enrichments to reduce any competitive behaviour.
3. Consider Separation Temporarily: If her crowing or aggression becomes disruptive, temporarily separating the hen can sometimes reset her behaviour and calm her hormonal response. Once reintroduced, she may resume a less dominant role.
4. Keep a Close Eye on Other Hens: Hens that exhibit hormonal changes and take on aggressive behaviours may cause anxiety or stress in other flock members. Make sure her behaviour isn’t negatively impacting the health or productivity of the other hens.

3. Natural Instinct in the Absence of a Rooster

Sometimes, a hen crowing is simply nature’s way of adapting to a missing rooster. If you’ve ever added or removed birds from a flock, you know that chickens notice every little change.

In the wild, roosters serve as protectors, and in a flock without one, hens might naturally step up to keep the group safe.

In the absence of a rooster, your hen’s crowing could be her attempt at signalling “all clear” in the morning or warning the others if she senses potential danger.

Even without predators in sight, her instincts might drive her to grow as a sort of guard duty.

4. Breed and Personality Factors

Some hen breeds are naturally more vocal, while others are calm and quiet. Breeds like Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds can be particularly chatty and confident, while Silkies or Orpingtons are known to be gentler and less assertive.

Particular hens are naturally bolder and more expressive, and in the right environment, they may show off that personality with enthusiastic crowing.

If you’ve got a crowing hen who’s always been a bit on the sassy side, her crowing might just be her way of “talking” a bit louder than the rest.

Think of it as a bold personality shining through—some hens simply like to stand out.

Also Read: 70 Things Chickens Can Eat & 30 Food Items to Avoid

5. Health Concerns and Other Causes

While it’s usually harmless, a hen suddenly crowing out of nowhere could sometimes signal an underlying health issue.

Hormonal changes can sometimes result from illnesses that impact a hen’s reproductive system or her endocrine system.

Some health issues that can lead to crowing include:

• Reproductive Health Issues: Conditions like ovarian tumours or cysts can cause hormone imbalances, potentially making a hen start crowing or displaying rooster-like behaviour.
• Stress and Illness: Hens under stress or dealing with illness may act out of character, sometimes crowing as part of their distress.

Suppose other unusual behaviours, like lethargy, feather loss, or changes in eating and drinking habits, accompany your hen’s crowing. In that case, it might be time for a vet visit to rule out any health issues.

Do You Need to Worry About a Crowing Hen?

In most cases, a crowing hen isn’t a cause for concern. It’s often just part of the natural dynamic of a rooster-free flock or an occasional hormonal quirk.

As long as your hen appears healthy, eating well, and socializing with the other birds, crowing is generally nothing to worry about.

However, if you notice other odd behaviours or if her crowing is persistent and intense, checking in with a poultry-savvy vet is always a good idea. They can help ensure no underlying health issues are causing the behaviour.

Also Read: How to Keep Chickens from Getting Bored?

Can You Stop a Hen from Crowing?

Stopping a hen from crowing is tricky, as it’s often instinctual or hormonally driven. However, here are a few steps that may help tone it down:

• Reduce Stress: Keep the flock’s environment as calm as possible. Ensure there’s ample space, a balanced diet, and good predator protection.
• Introduce New Birds Slowly: Changes in the pecking order can increase stress and make hens more vocal. If you’re adding new hens to the flock, introduce them gradually.
• Offer Distractions: Treats, toys, and even a larger area to roam can help keep your hens engaged, giving them less time to focus on crowing.
• Consider Adding a Rooster: If local regulations allow, consider adding a calm, gentle rooster to your flock. This can often eliminate the need for a hen to take on the “crowing” role.

Also Read: Are Chickens Warm Blooded or Cold Blooded?

Conclusion

Hearing a hen crow might feel strange, but it’s often a natural response to her environment, her hormones, or her position in the pecking order.

Most of the time, a crowing hen is just adapting to life without a rooster and establishing her place within the flock.

So, next time you hear that funny, throaty crow coming from one of your hens, take a moment to smile and appreciate the quirks of flock life.