Chickens behaving badly

[Kikiriki]

This is my first batch of chickens since I was a teen years ago, and I dont recall our hens then acting out like my chickens now are.

I have 3 gold sex link chickens. I know how sex links are supposed to be very easy to sex type by color, but the way these 10 week olds are acting, I would would swear they are roos.

They are beginning to fight each other very often and butt chests together, knock beaks together, stand tall and stretch out their necks with feathers fluffed out, chase one other for no reason, and strut around very roo like...

One with more white feathers has very pale legs, too.

Is this normal teenage dominance establishent or hormones kicking in for young girls? I tried looking at the saddle feathers, but I guess I need pictures of the difference. I can't make a judgement without something for comparison.

Please tell me about your experiences, and if this is normal!

 

[Fred's Hens]

All normal posturing.

 

[Kikiriki]

Phew! Thanks for the quick response! I would still like to hear more.... How long can I expect this to continue before they calm down? Once they have a pecking order, is it firm or will they ocassionally challenge it? Do you modify your behavior based upon their pecking order? For example, if the lowest is your favorite, do you make a point of interacting with the lead girl first so she doesnt retaliate for the attention? Will they retaliate?

 

[Red Barn Farms]

I think it's normal. I have six red sex-links and mine do that all the time.

 

[Red Barn Farms]

I have buff orpingtons and red sex-links and the biggest out of the flock is a buff orpington and she keeps them 'ALL" in line.