Chest bumping

[herefordlovinglady]

I noticed last night that my 8 week old hens are starting to run up to each other and bump chests. I purchased 8 pullets from the hardware store, and i know there is always a chance that some may end up being roos. Is the chest bumping a sign of a roo or pecking order?

here are few of them that are doing this.

 

[elmo]

My girls did that, too. And they definitely turned out to be hens....I'm getting the eggs to prove it.

 

[teach1rusl]

Mine did it too around that age...I think it was done by they time they were around 14 weeks or so. I guess it's part of establishing pecking order???

PS...your little girls are very pretty!

 

[herefordlovinglady]

it is fun to watch them do it. they get all puffed up and run across the run and bump into each other. thanks for the replies.

 

[MuranoFarms]

Chest bumping is ok. It doesn't mean anything sex wise. Reminds me of teenagers at a football game! lol The roo's also do this thing where they crouch down facing each other. They stare at each other and sorta bob their heads. Then one will suddenly jump on top of the other one. Then they'll circle a little and start the stare down head bob thing again. It's really funny when the silkies do it!

 

[Mervin]

I'm certainly no expert, but I say all pullets. I didn't notice any pointy hackle feathers and the combs and wattles look pretty reasonable.