10 week old "runt" trying to sit on her sister's back!

[DollyGirl64]

Good evening! Tonight when I was tucking my girls in I observed an odd behavior from my smallest girl, Ellie Mae. She kept trying to sit on her sister's back. Sis (Hilda) wanted no part of that, and kept trying to walk with the little one clinging to her back. She was squawking so loud and flapping her wings so hard , I got concerned someone would get hurt so I picked up Ellie Mae (the runt) and placed her on a perch. She settled right down. Does anyone have any insight on what would make her do that?

 

[HappyClucker7]

Could Ellie Mae be a cockerel trying to mount?

 

[DollyGirl64]

Could Ellie Mae be a cockerel trying to mount?

Possibly? They were sexed when I got them, all pullets. But I guess there could be one that snuck in. I did get them from TSC after all She's smaller than the rest. I thought a cockerel would larger. Is there a way to tell when they are this young?

 

[HappyClucker7]

Possibly? They were sexed when I got them, all pullets. But I guess there could be one that snuck in. I did get them from TSC after all She's smaller than the rest. I thought a cockerel would larger. Is there a way to tell when they are this young?

Yes, you can tell at this age. Do you have any pictures?

 

[DollyGirl64]

Yes, you can tell at this age. Do you have any pictures?

No I don't but I will get some tomorrow and post them. Thank you !

 

[DollyGirl64]

I have pictures of Ellie Mae. I should say I call her the runt because she is the smallest and limps. I didn't notice it until she was moved to the coop with the rest of the girls. I am hoping to get her to an avian vet for a definitive reason for her limp. I know it's not bumble foot and I don't think it was broken because I can touch it and move her leg and she does not flinch or squawk. ANYHOW...here's her pictures. The others are quite the hams so there are a couple photo bombs.

 

[HappyClucker7]

I have pictures of Ellie Mae. I should say I call her the runt because she is the smallest and limps. I didn't notice it until she was moved to the coop with the rest of the girls. I am hoping to get her to an avian vet for a definitive reason for her limp. I know it's not bumble foot and I don't think it was broken because I can touch it and move her leg and she does not flinch or squawk. ANYHOW...here's her pictures. The others are quite the hams so there are a couple photo bombs.

Hmm, no, she's definitely a pullet. It might be a sign of dominance then. I had a hen who would jump on another hen's back to show that she was in charge.