There's something about a Sebright pullet that just keeps you guessing, and this 19-week-old's sudden seagull impression is the perfect example. She's not squawking like a proper hen, not clucking with confidence, but letting out these wheezy, dramatic cries that sound like she's auditioning for a seaside documentary. Our first thought? That's not a normal chicken noise, and it's completely understandable to wonder if she's secretly a he. The truth is, Sebrights are a breed that loves to blur the lines, and this little one is just leaning into the chaos. It's a reminder that chickens are full of surprises, much like the fluffy new arrivals we're watching nap in a towel in Six fluffy chicks have hatched—egg-cellent news from our feathered friends!.
Here's the thing about that seagull sound: it's probably just her way of saying, "Hey, I'm growing up and I have feelings!" At 19 weeks, pullets often start practicing their egg-song, and if she's not laying yet, she might be warming up those vocal cords with something that sounds more like a distressed shorebird than a barnyard classic. But we get the panic. You're listening for a nice, clucky "bawk" and instead you're getting something that belongs on a pier. It's enough to make anyone question their poultry parenting skills. We've all been there, like when we thought our latest batch of chicks would never settle down, only to find them passed out in a heap, looking like tiny, fluffy potatoes. That's the same energy here: confusion, a little worry, but ultimately, a whole lot of charm.
For the new Sebright owner, here's our honest take: don't rush to gender reassign her just yet. Sebrights are notorious for being late bloomers, and their combs and wattles don't always scream "rooster" until much later. The noise, while weird, is often just a phase, a vocal stretch before she figures out her real voice. Instead of panicking, lean into the weirdness. Watch her, listen to her, and give her a few more weeks. If she starts squatting for treats or acting extra broody, you've got your answer. If she starts crowing, well, you've got a different conversation on your hands. But don't let the mystery ruin the fun of having her around, especially when there are so many other egg-citing things happening in the coop, like the tiny Marans Froment chicks we can't stop swooning over in Tiny Marans Froment chicks are cluck-tastic, and currently napping!.
The real takeaway here is that chickens are weird, and that's exactly why we love them. Whether she's a pullet with a dramatic streak or a sneaky cockerel with a talent for impressions, she's keeping you on your toes. So, next time she lets out that seagull cry, don't just stand there scratching your head. Give her a little treat, snap a video, and remember that this is the same feathered friend who made you laugh when she first discovered a worm. The moment you stop expecting her to act "normal" is the moment you'll actually start enjoying the show. And if she does turn out to be a he, well, you'll have a very loud, very fancy rooster on your hands, which is its own kind of adventure. Just keep an ear out for that first egg, because that will settle the debate faster than any sound she makes.
