Can Roosters Really Lay Eggs or Is It Just a Myth?

I still remember the first time I heard someone say, “Alam mo ba, ‘yung tandang nila, nangingitlog!” (Did you know, their rooster laid an egg!) I almost choked on my kape (coffee). A rooster laying an egg? That claim spread like wildfire on social media, with blurry pictures and confident captions. Friends tagged me, asking if it was real. Some even said it happened to their kapitbahay (neighbor). And as someone deeply involved in poultry farming, I had to dig in.

The idea that a tandang (rooster) — a male chicken — can lay an egg sounds too bizarre to ignore. But to us farmers, especially here in the Philippines where native chickens still outnumber commercial layers in many backyards, it’s more than a meme. If true, it could mean a big misunderstanding in how we manage our flocks. At the very least, it reflects a gap in basic poultry knowledge.

So in this article, I want to settle the score once and for all. I’ll walk you through the science behind egg-laying, explain why these rumors persist, and even share how to correctly identify your chickens. Whether you raise Rhode Island Reds or Black Australorps, this is for you.

Understanding Chicken Biology 101

Let’s start with the basics—because before we ask if a rooster can lay an egg, we need to understand how an egg is laid in the first place.

In chickens, only hens (female chickens) are equipped with the internal anatomy required for egg production. A hen has a single functional ovary—usually the left one—and an oviduct, which is the long, coiled tube where the egg forms. From yolk release to shell formation, the whole process takes about 24 to 26 hours. That’s why even without a rooster, a healthy hen can lay eggs regularly.

Roosters (male chickens), on the other hand, have a completely different reproductive system. Instead of ovaries, they have testes inside their body, which produce sperm, not eggs. Roosters also don’t have an oviduct or uterus. In short: no egg-producing organs, no eggs.

The confusion sometimes starts when people see a small egg or an abnormal one—what we call a “wind egg” or “fart egg”—and wrongly assume it came from the rooster. But even those odd little eggs still come from hens, especially young pullets or older layers under stress.

In native chicken breeds like Paraoakan, Banaba, or Darag, the physical differences between males and females are sometimes subtle, especially before full maturity. That’s why some farmers may think a tandang (rooster) laid an egg—when in fact, they just misidentified a inahin (hen) that looks masculine.

So let’s be clear: biologically, roosters are incapable of laying eggs. If someone tells you otherwise, they’ve either misidentified the bird, misunderstood the science, or been misled by viral nonsense.

Where the Confusion Comes From

Over the years, I’ve met more than one farmer who swore, “Tandang talaga ‘yan! Pero nangingitlog!” (“That’s definitely a rooster! But it laid an egg!”) And honestly, I don’t blame them. There are a few real reasons why this kind of confusion happens, especially with native or mixed-breed chickens here in the Philippines.

First, some hens develop rooster-like features—large combs, crowing behavior, even mounting other hens—especially as they age or if their ovary stops working. This happens due to hormonal imbalance, usually when the left ovary becomes inactive and male hormones (like testosterone) increase. This condition is sometimes called spontaneous sex reversal, and while rare, it does happen in hens, not roosters. So yes, a hen may start acting like a rooster, but it won’t become a true male—and won’t stop being genetically female.

Second, in native breeds like Banaba, Paraoakan, or even mixed labuyo (jungle fowl) crosses, it’s easy to misidentify a bird’s sex if you’re relying only on appearance. Some hens grow large tari (spurs), have upright tails, or develop deep-colored hackle feathers, especially when fed high-protein or breeder rations. I’ve seen farmers bet money that a bird was male—until it laid an egg.

Lastly, young pullets (immature hens) can look like roosters until they reach point of lay. Their combs enlarge, they get more active, and unless you’ve trained your eye, it’s easy to mistake them for a tandang (rooster).

So while it’s tempting to believe you’ve discovered a miracle, the truth is usually simpler: you’ve got a very masculine-looking hen.

What the Science Really Says

Let’s get to the heart of the matter: the science behind egg-laying and why roosters simply can’t do it. I’ve read through numerous poultry science papers, consulted with vets, and learned from years of hands-on experience, and here’s what I’ve gathered.

The anatomy of egg production in chickens is strictly female. The process begins when an egg yolk (ovum) is released from a hen’s ovary into the oviduct. From there, the yolk travels down the oviduct, where it is coated with egg white (albumen), then a thin membrane, and finally, a shell. The whole process is completed in about a day, and it’s all under the control of female hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Without these, the egg-laying cycle cannot begin.

Roosters, as I’ve already mentioned, don’t have ovaries. Instead, they have testes that produce sperm. They don’t have the biological capability to form eggs. The confusion sometimes arises when people observe unusual behavior, such as a hen producing a “fart egg” or wind egg (a very small or misshapen egg), and assume the rooster was involved. But in reality, those eggs are still laid by hens—just in an abnormal state due to stress, age, or hormonal imbalance.

A fascinating example of this involves intersex chickens, which are extremely rare cases where a bird may have both male and female characteristics. In some instances, a hen may develop male-like features or behavior. These hens, which have functioning ovaries but elevated levels of male hormones, sometimes exhibit rooster-like actions. However, these birds are still genetically female and still lay eggs—they just act more masculine.

Interestingly, studies on poultry genetics and sex determination show that even in rare cases of chimerism (where two different cells exist in one body), the bird will still produce eggs. In one 2015 study published in the Journal of Poultry Science, researchers documented a rare case of a hen that had developed male characteristics and tried to crow, but still laid eggs (Naito, 2015). This proves that while hens can sometimes appear as roosters, they will always have the genetic makeup and internal organs to lay eggs, no matter their appearance.

So, in short: roosters are not physically capable of laying eggs, no matter what you’ve heard on social media or from stories passed around the community. If someone claims otherwise, they’re likely misinformed or misunderstanding the science behind poultry biology.

Viral Stories and Fake News in Poultry Farming

It’s no surprise that in today’s digital age, misinformation spreads faster than wildfire. Social media, in particular, has become a hotbed for viral claims, and the story of roosters laying eggs is a perfect example of how easily fake news can take root in the farming community.

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is how a single viral video or a misleading photo can become the foundation of widespread belief. I’ve seen posts of what looks like a rooster standing proudly next to an egg, or even in some cases, an egg coming out of a rooster’s cloaca (the common opening for both reproductive and waste excretion in chickens). These images are often taken out of context, poorly edited, or completely staged for attention. And, let’s face it, we’ve all been guilty of sharing something we thought was true—especially when it’s eye-catching or absurd. But what we fail to consider is the power of confirmation bias.

Confirmation bias happens when we find information that supports what we already believe, even if it’s not true. For example, if a farmer believes that a rooster can lay an egg, they’ll start searching for evidence to support that belief, disregarding anything that contradicts it. And once that belief is set, it’s hard to change it, even when presented with the facts.

Another factor in the spread of misinformation is the misunderstanding of farm operations by people outside the farming community. A casual observer might see a rooster in a coop with a few eggs and automatically assume it’s the rooster laying them. After all, if they’ve never handled chickens themselves, they wouldn’t know the difference. The proliferation of these “fake farmer” accounts or fake experts online contributes to confusion. These influencers or unverified sources rarely provide the scientific backing or practical experience that we, as actual farmers, understand.

The spread of this kind of misinformation is particularly harmful because it undermines trust in legitimate sources of knowledge—such as local agricultural experts, veterinarians, and other credible figures in the poultry industry. Once the myth of the egg-laying rooster is entrenched, it can lead to confusion in management practices, potentially even affecting how farmers raise their flocks and manage their poultry’s health.

I encourage fellow farmers to approach any viral farm-related stories with skepticism, especially when they come from unverified sources. If you see a claim that seems too outlandish to be true, it probably isn’t. Stick with the knowledge and advice that’s rooted in actual farming experience and scientific understanding, like the kind we share in our farming seminars.

How to Identify Your Chickens Properly

Now that we’ve debunked the myth of the egg-laying rooster, it’s time to talk about how we can accurately identify our chickens and ensure there’s no confusion moving forward. Whether you raise commercial layers or native chickens, being able to tell the difference between hens and roosters is crucial for managing your flock properly.

First, let’s talk about physical characteristics. Roosters are generally larger, more colorful, and have more pronounced features than hens. Here are a few things to look out for:

1. Comb and Wattles: Roosters typically have larger, brighter combs and wattles. These fleshy parts on their head and under their beak are more vibrant and stand out compared to hens. In native breeds like Banaba or Paraoakan, the comb may also be more upright in roosters, while hens have smaller, more delicate combs.
2. Tails: Roosters have longer, more curved tail feathers (called sickles) that often fan out in a display. Hens have shorter, less dramatic tail feathers.
3. Feather Color: In many breeds, roosters display more vivid colors in their feathers. While hens tend to have more muted, camouflage-type coloring to blend into their environment for protection, roosters often show bright reds, golds, and greens to attract mates.
4. Size: Roosters are usually bulkier and taller. The size difference is especially noticeable in breeds like Rhode Island Red or Cornish, where the rooster will outweigh the hen by several pounds.
5. Behavior: Roosters are known for being more aggressive and protective. They crow (which hens do not), and often show off their feathers by puffing out their chests. Hens, on the other hand, tend to be quieter, except when laying eggs or when calling their chicks.

But it’s not just about looks. If you’re unsure, pay attention to egg-laying behavior. Roosters don’t lay eggs, so if you see an egg in the coop, it’s definitely from a hen. If you have a mixed flock, you might even spot a hen-like rooster (a rooster with hen-like features), especially in the case of spontaneous sex reversal or rare hormonal changes.

It’s also important to make sure you’re distinguishing between young pullets (immature hens) and roosters. Pullets may appear to be more masculine before they mature fully, but they’ll start laying eggs as soon as they reach sexual maturity, which is typically around 5 to 6 months of age for many breeds.

What to Do If You Encounter This Myth in Your Community

I’ve spent a lot of time in farming communities, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that information spreads quickly—whether it’s true or not. So, what should you do if you encounter someone who believes the myth of the egg-laying rooster, especially when it’s causing confusion or even affecting their farm management?

First, let me say this: approach the situation with understanding and respect. Farmers are proud of their work, and they often take pride in their knowledge, even if it’s based on misconceptions. Instead of outright dismissing someone’s beliefs, try to present the facts in a way that encourages dialogue.

Here’s how I handle these situations:

1. Share Your Knowledge Gently: I always start by explaining what I know in a way that doesn’t make the other person feel embarrassed. I might say something like, “I’ve heard that too, but I did some reading and research on this, and it turns out roosters can’t lay eggs. The science behind it is pretty clear, and I’d be happy to share it with you if you’re interested!” This opens the door for further discussion and shows that I’m not just telling them they’re wrong—I’m offering knowledge in a helpful way.
2. Use Practical Examples: Share examples from your own farm. If you’ve had experience with hens that act like roosters, or if you’ve seen a rare case of hormonal imbalances in your flock, talk about it. Real-life stories are often more convincing than abstract facts. I’d say something like, “In my experience, I’ve had hens that looked like roosters and even started crowing, but they were still laying eggs. It’s actually more common than people think.” This personal touch often makes people more open to listening.
3. Refer to Credible Sources: If the discussion goes deeper, I recommend referring to credible sources, like poultry science books, articles from agricultural universities, or advice from vets. The goal is to introduce facts without sounding like you’re lecturing. Mentioning trusted institutions, like the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), can help establish credibility.
4. Encourage Continuing Education: Instead of just correcting the misinformation, I invite people to keep learning. If they’re open to it, I suggest they attend farm seminars or workshops. I’ve seen first-hand how these events clear up many myths and improve farming practices. For example, I always promote the Heritage Chicken Farming Seminar I have. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about everything from chicken biology to best practices in managing a flock.
5. Promote a Supportive Community: I believe that when we build a community of knowledgeable and open-minded farmers, we all benefit. Encourage others to ask questions and share their experiences. A community where learning is mutual will always help weed out misconceptions faster than any single person trying to do it alone.

If you encounter the egg-laying rooster myth, don’t fight it with frustration. Instead, use it as a chance to spread knowledge and build stronger connections within your farming community. The more we know, the more we grow together.

The Importance of Reliable Sources in Poultry Farming

In any industry, but especially in farming, the quality of the information you rely on can make or break your operation. As chicken farmers, we are tasked not only with the care and management of our flocks but also with making informed decisions about their health, feed, and overall well-being. That means we must be able to distinguish between reliable sources and the sea of misinformation that floods the internet and even local communities.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to seek out verified, scientifically-backed resources for everything from poultry health to egg production and beyond. The risks of relying on hearsay or viral stories can range from minor mistakes, like unnecessary treatments, to more serious consequences, such as disease outbreaks or financial losses.

Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to help sift through the noise and find trustworthy information:

1. Consult with Experts: One of the best decisions I ever made was to build relationships with local veterinarians and agricultural extension workers. These experts can provide you with advice based on years of experience and solid research. For example, I’ve gotten invaluable advice on poultry health from vets at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and local poultry organizations.
2. Stick to Peer-Reviewed Research: When you’re looking for more technical information, go straight to the source. Peer-reviewed journals like Poultry Science or Journal of Applied Poultry Research are filled with the latest studies on poultry health, breeding, and production. These are resources I trust when I need scientific data to back up my farming decisions.
3. Leverage Educational Institutions: Universities and agricultural institutions are great sources of accurate information. UPLB, Central Luzon State University (CLSU), and similar institutions in the Philippines offer programs, workshops, and online resources that cover everything from poultry diseases to sustainable farming practices.
4. Use Trusted Online Platforms: There are many online platforms offering free poultry-related content, but not all of them are created equal. I stick to well-known platforms that have a reputation for quality information, such as PoultryHub or The Poultry Site. These sites are backed by professionals in the industry and provide up-to-date research, news, and practical guides.
5. Ask Fellow Farmers: Sometimes, the best advice comes from people who are in the trenches every day. Joining local poultry farming groups or participating in online communities, like Philippine Poultry Farmers Association (PPFA), allows you to connect with other experienced farmers. These communities often share valuable insights, and you can ask questions to get real-world solutions.

The reality is that our community is built on a foundation of shared knowledge. As I’ve seen time and again, when we trust the right sources and verify our information, we not only improve our farms but also contribute to the collective growth of the Philippine poultry farming industry.

Busting Myths for Better Farming

As I look back on everything we’ve discussed, I’m reminded of the importance of knowledge and education in poultry farming. The myth of the egg-laying rooster is just one example of how misinformation can spread quickly, especially in farming communities where generations of traditions and practices are passed down. While some myths may seem harmless, others can have a significant impact on how we manage our farms, and even more critically, on the health and well-being of our chickens.

By busting myths like this one, we not only protect the integrity of our industry but also ensure that farmers, especially newcomers, have access to correct, scientifically sound information that will help them succeed. As we’ve seen, it’s easy for a story to go viral and become ingrained in the collective consciousness, but the responsibility falls on us—the farmers, educators, and experts—to challenge these misconceptions and set the record straight.

It’s important to approach these myths with an open mind but also a healthy dose of skepticism. I’ve found that when we present the facts calmly and respectfully, others are more likely to understand the truth. We must be patient and willing to share what we know without belittling others or making them feel less knowledgeable.

So, what can we do moving forward?

• Stay informed: As farmers, we must keep learning and adapting to new information, whether it’s about egg production, health care, or new poultry breeds. By continuing our education, we ensure the future success of our farms.
• Promote truth: It’s up to us to share accurate information within our communities. Encourage open discussions and be the source of credible advice for your fellow farmers.
• Support local education: Attend workshops, seminars, and other educational opportunities. As I mentioned earlier, participating in my Heritage Chicken Farming Seminar is one way to deepen our understanding and stay on top of the latest trends and research in poultry farming.

At the end of the day, the success of our farms depends not just on what we know, but on the collective knowledge we share with each other. Let’s continue to work together, busting myths and building a future where Filipino farmers are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to thrive.