Are they fighting or playing?

[Daysiechicks]

I looked for the answer in previous threads, but can't find anything. Since I'm new at this chicken stuff, I find myself entertained for sometimes hours just watching my girls. Lately, they have been running alot and chasing each other and then they do this quick "lift-off" flighty thing and then almost do a "chest bump" with each other. Are they playing or fighting?

 

[chookchick]

Both--that's how they establish pecking order. I'm assuming your "girls" are still very young, like 4-8 weeks old? That's about when mine started the serious pecking order play. They will figure it out eventually, and calm down a lot--that is, unless you have roos?!

 

[Daysiechicks]

Thank you! They are about 10 weeks old. All pullets, no roosters. I just wanted to make sure they weren't getting inappropriately aggressive so I'm glad to hear that it's normal behavior. Thanks very much

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I agree. My grown hens, two in particular, still have their fusses, but no harm done. Just some ruffled feathers, pardon the pun.