4 weeks old and fighting

[TinaSwarr]

out of 17 chicks I have 3 roosters, they do a little thing where they run at each other and bump chest, is this pecking order thing, should i be worried, i have noticed that out of the 3 it is always the same one that wins this game is that gonna be top rooster, is this a sign of a mean rooster.... I did expect a little competition amongst these 3 but just not at 4 weeks old.... my plan is to keep 2 of them and an amish friend has afford to take 1, what is the best way to pick the ones i will be keeping?.....Thank you for all of your answers I couldn't do this without, who would of thought raising chicks would be so stressful.

 

[Sjisty]

Hi Tina -

I think all chicks do the chest bump thing. I have even had some do it to my hand when I reach in - it's so cute! I think they are just establishing rank and it doesn't necessarily mean they will be more aggressive. As far as picking out the ones you want to keep, just watch them and you will find some favorites. As long as you are not raising to show them, just look for traits and habits that endear themselves to you the most. Take your time and when you are absolutely sure which ones you want, then re-home the others.

 

[New2TheCoop]

My chicks do the same thing! They kind of size each other up.

 

[DickGJ]

It seems completely normal to me. Mine are now five weeks old and a lot of the "bickering" has calmed down, but it still occurs at times. Mine fought so much I thought they were all roosters with their chest bumping, raised neck hackles, jumping at each other as if they had spurs, etc... At times it really appeared to be violent to me, but all is part of the pecking order establishment in my opinion. I still think I have about 5 young roosters out of the 14 that I have, but won't be real sure until I hear a "crow" from them since some hens have rather large combs and from what I learned hear on BYC...hens do all the behaviors I mentioned above.

If I do confirm that I have several roosters and plan on keeping just one or two...I plan on picking the healthiest, fighting, stud of the group. I expect them to protect the ladies to most even if he does want to scrape with me from time to time. It's way early yet for me with them only being 5-weeks, time and close observations will help me make that personal decision. If I asked my wife to chose, it would likely be based strictly on which one is the most handsome or prettiest! Of course, what ever she decides is the right choice!