Chickens behavior strange

[jclausen]

why would 2 chickens stand up real tall almost touch their beaks together? Very strange like they are doing a stare down.

 

[Roo5]

Sounds like they were doing a stare down.

 

[jclausen]

Yes that was what it looked like. I was afraid they were going to start fighting. They are only about 2 months old.
lol

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

Yes this behaviour starts very young. They are beginning to sort out where they each stand in the pecking order. When they rear up and stare at each other it can go three ways - they both lose interest and walk away, one submits to the other by bowing its head (and often receives a pecking to reinforce it), or they come to blows by kicking until one submits or flees.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I agree, this is just them figuring out their place in the pecking order. And both pullets and cockerels will do it.

 

[jclausen]

Thanks you for the feed back on this. First time raising chickens. We have 4 RIR hens.

 

[Roo5]

It’s no wonder they didn’t fight.My do this all the time their about 2 months.Rhod Island Reds are a tough breed!

 

[Criticalicious]

Although what I've read is the pecking order doesn't start until around 6 weeks, in fact, I've seen day olds have brief stare downs.

 

[Roo5]

Yes, that defiantly seems to be a false statement.

 

[Rommy]

Ok folks you have described what my Rhode Island Reds are doing with me when I am in the run and stooped down. The other day Miss Butterbean actually jumped at me when I was stooped outside the fence. WHEN I'm in the coop or run and stooped down talking to them all she and Miss Scarlett tend to stretch and look at me wondered at one point if one was contemplating jumping on my back ...then the jump when I was outside the fence...are they challenging me or what?