4 week old Behavior/Gender link?

[afwifey]

I’ve read both sides of the coin when researching chick gender/behavior links: that they don’t ‘sense’ their own gender this early so you can’t tell sex by behavior and that some experienced breeders can sex chicks fairly reliably based on many years of studying behavior. So, I’m wondering what your opinion is on chick behavior being linked to gender.

Here is my example: I noticed when I took the chicks outside today that both her sibling (Mochi, gray Silkie) and her younger adoptive sibling (wheaten’ish’ much bigger bird) both tried to push their way under Mocha’s (brown Silkie) chest repeatedly. They didn’t do it to each other and Mocha never did it in return. Is it possible for them to sense gender so early and be hiding under Mocha like they would a roo?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

My chicks don't hide under roos. Neither do my hens.

My chicks do like to snuggle under a broody's chest, and sometimes an auntie in the flock will take them under wing, literally.

So, no. In my experience this would not be "gender identification" behavior of the two chicks marking a rooster. It could be they are cold, and Mocha is simply more docile or on the bottom of the pecking order that the others want to use as a warm up blanket.

It could be that Mocha, being a Silkie, being female, is ALREADY exhibiting some brooding instinct. (Some Silkies begin to brood the minute they mature at 5 months of age).

Most likely it is chick huddling, especially if it is a little cold or they are stressed from bigger birds being around. Chicks dog pile when stressed.

My experiences.
LofMc

 

[afwifey]

My chicks don't hide under roos. Neither do my hens.

My chicks do like to snuggle under a broody's chest, and sometimes an auntie in the flock will take them under wing, literally.

So, no. In my experience this would not be "gender identification" behavior of the two chicks marking a rooster. It could be they are cold, and Mocha is simply more docile or on the bottom of the pecking order that the others want to use as a warm up blanket.

It could be that Mocha, being a Silkie, being female, is ALREADY exhibiting some brooding instinct. (Some Silkies begin to brood the minute they mature at 5 months of age).

Most likely it is chick huddling, especially if it is a little cold or they are stressed from bigger birds being around. Chicks dog pile when stressed.

My experiences.
LofMc

I hadn’t thought about the behavior that way but that does make sense! Thank you for the reply! I’m fascinated by all things chickens right now!