chest bumping

[chickenbythesea]

ok, my chicks are about 2 1/2 weeks now and just today I've noticed that they'll kinda run at each other.. stand tall (stretch their necks as far as they can) and bump each other in the chest. Is this just establishing pecking order? they're not hurting each other and frankly remind me of a bunch of rambunctious teenage boys.... they're hysterical to watch... just wondering what it's all about? thanks

 

[equine chick]

They are exactly what you said trying to establish a pecking order. Some times roos will do this but I have also had pullets that did this too.

 

[LarryPQ]

Pecking order, learning adult behaviors, staving offf chicken boredom....

It is normal behavior. Have fun watching them!

 

[sadies chicks]

Quote:
Yeah my 16-week old pullets do this to this day! Crazy girls.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Quote:
x 2


Today I watched my turkey poult chest bumping with one of the chicks she/he was hatched with.

 

[LoreenH]

My 14 week old pullets started doing this a few weeks ago, they also spread out their neck feathers when they get in each other's face.....they look like those frilled lizards when they do it.....LOL!!

 

[debid]

If they aren't already, they'll soon be jumping on backs also. I was worried that I had a whole brooder full of boys! It turns out that the meek one in the corner was actually the whoops cockerel and the crazy ones were all pullets.

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts, they are establishing their pecking order. I love to watch my chicks...

 

[jenkassai]

My girls (going on 4 & 5 weeks) have just started doing this as well and is sure is fun to watch!!!