22 or so week old chickens..

[bygrace53]

So I have 8... some have started laying. All is well until tonight, my normally very reserved Black Australorp (Zsa Zsa) mounts my Barred Rock (Penny) in what appears to be mating. I am new to this and have never seen chickens mate, but I think it's a pretty good guess. So far, no crowing out of anyone. Do I definitely have a ROO, or is that pecking order behavior? She is normally quite and reserved. The only one that doesn't really require any attention or want to get in my lap. Stays on the out-skirts of things. Not a sound. Big in size, but no other obvious signs.

 

[Araucana16]

I think at 22 weeks an Australorp roo would look very different. You've got yourself a pullet, in my opinion.

I'm not entirely sure why, but I've heard of hens crowing, attempting to mate other hens, etc., all while laying eggs. Some have said that in the absence of a rooster, hens will take on rooster behavior in an attempt to be dominant.

I wouldn't worry about having a boy on your hands.

 

[DanEP]

That's a girl