Sex-change hen inspires Moray man's children's book, 'Ada, The Chicken That Changed'
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A MORAY man has penned a book aimed at addressing gender issues among primary school-aged children – inspired by goings-on in his chicken coop.
Peter Jones (65), who lives in the countryside near Kinloss, was surprised when one of his female chickens, Ada, developed male characteristics, including early-morning crowing.
Based on this real-life episode, Peter tells how Ada's feathered friends reacted to the changes in his book, "Ada, The Chicken That Changed".
It is the first book by the former Moray Council head of communications.
Peter said: "It was a bit of a shock when one of our hens started to crow one morning.
"I've kept hens for many years and in all that time none of them has behaved like that.
"Apparently it happens very rarely to hens – about one in 10,000. They produce too much testosterone and start behaving like a cockerel.
"This includes a halt to egg production, but instead of her heading to the pot I thought it would be a good illustration of acceptance of differences in others."
An increase in testosterone results in a hen growing an extended cockscomb and exaggerated wattles – the red fleshy parts on a chicken's head – as well as behaviour such as strutting and crowing.
Ada displayed these physical changes.
Peter added: "Her stance was more male-orientated too, very upright, and scanning the horizon as if she/he was about to crow or on the lookout for anything that would pose a risk to the hens. This is typical of a cockerel's protective behaviour.
"We avoid keeping cockerels as they crow at daft o'clock for no good reason. Ada's is a bit more subdued – but still loud enough to wake you up!"
Reading to his two grandchildren, Freddie (3) and 18-month-old Maggie, inspired Peter to put pen to paper.
He added: "Gender issues are first taught to P6 pupils, and I felt much of the material available appeared rather patronising.
"Having an anthropomorphised story based on actual events puts the issue into some reality."
The book is dedicated to "chicken lovers everywhere and to all those who celebrate diversity".
Peter added: "I already have a sequel in draft about a pair of French hens we've introduced to the coop and the imagined reaction to foreigners joining a community."
Ada, The Chicken That Changed, by J & J Publishing, includes illustrations by Dutch artist Inge van der Ham.
It is available to buy from Yeadons, in Elgin, and online at Amazon, priced £4.99.
