Do young hens raise their hackles?

[JimmyMack]

Good morning. I have a group of 6 week old chicks that I picked up from someone in the area. They are mixed breeds and I am unsure of sexes at this point. This morning I noticed a few of the chicks sparring..jumping up and down facing each other. I noticed a few of them were raising their hackles at each other. I am trying to identify whether these are roosters or not.

Do hens raise their hackles?

Thanks,

 

[Judy]

I think of that as "roosterish" behavior, but both sexes will do these things.

 

[specsussex]

I've had pullets do this just as much... They are just trying to sort out the "pecking order"...Lol.

 

[gander007]

It is funny when the chicks are young the girls and boy's act much the same and it is funny to watch them act out the pecking order on their own .....

 

[Denwendairy]

Well, this is a relief! I have a lovely 5 week old light Sussex that I was starting to think might be a roo! Her small comb is not pink but she was exhibiting the behaviour mentioned above!. Glad to have found this thread...