Baby chicks bowing up to eachother

[Maatawry]

Hi all! I have two Bantams, theoretically pulleys, but I have my suspicions. They get along great in general, but the last week or so they've been bowing up to eachother. You know the look, long necks, wings out, chest bumping. But then they just go about doing whatever they were before. They are only about 3 1/2 weeks. Is this normal?

 

[JedJackson]

It's normal for both pullets and cockerels at that age, so it doesn't necessarily mean you have boys. 7 weeks is a good time to start sexing-- you can post pictures in here if you need help. Look for larger red combs and wattles on cockerels.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Yes,normal for both sexes to fight although males can escalate it and usually cockerels fights will last much longer.

 

[Maatawry]

Thank you! Last chicken I had was just a solo, so having two interacting is new for me.

I don't have anything to compare to, really. Just because they are different breeds. But my mottled cochin does have a slightly larger and pinker comb than my Easter egger.

 

[Maatawry]

 

[TheTwoRoos]

I would say both pullets.

 

[Maatawry]

I know it's way too early still. Time will tell.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I know it's way too early still. Time will tell.

In my experience... it's the boys who are relentless about chest bumping especially early on. Usually if they see someone else doing it they will run to join in verses the females are less interested in the antics and more interested in foraging.

Aside from that... your EE is showing classic signs of some sort of external parasite. Can you see how the feathers by the finger look frayed but not ALL the way to the feather shaft??

Fingers crossed for pullets!

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Wow,that’s external parasites?Thouhht that was just what happens after a nice dust bathing session.

 

[Maatawry]

Parasites?? I don't notice what you mean. Her skin looks perfectly healthy. They are starting to really get in their feathers right now, so they both looks super ridiculous.