Dominique Thread!

[centrarchid]

Running about such fights are not a big deal because looser can get away. Confining looser with winner that does not let up can be a problem. Roosters in my settings usually stop such prolonged fights not unlike tom turkey seemed to be preparing to do.

 

[Delight in Dominiques]

Pecking order is a natural occurrence in the flock. If you take the aggressor away another will take its place. It is better to learn to understand natures selection and let those rules dictate the process how the flock manages than to step in and try to teach human emotions to chickens......

 

[insanity]

I only recently got a roo and was running hens only. There was 1 hen who seemed to be acting rooster and kept everyone in line. plus they had 4 birds to 3/4 acre so lots of room to avoid if needed. Now they are confined 9 birds(with more growing) to a 45x35 run with 8x12 coop. So I have been a bit worried about them squabling. Its nice to know the roo will help watch over them to.

 

[buffalogal]

Though they all live on one farm, technically, these birds are not in the same flock. If they had been, the entire fight would have been reduced to a quick feather pulling on the head should the subordinate get to uppity. They spend their days in separate groups with different roosters. There are several such groups here, their territories overlap, and it's the rooster's job to makes sure the area is clear before he takes his girls in. (by crowing, to let the Other Guys know he's in the area) There are several large open areas around the house where I either keep feeders or toss grain several times during the day, and while there might be a pick or peck, and a quick chase when all the "micro flocks" come together, there are usually no fights in these areas. It just so happens that both of these hens were the dominant hen in their groups and when their territories overlapped because I had tossed out oats, they were both made up their mind to "never give a inch". They tussled for several minutes while I went back and forth getting chores done, and they were so determined that I finally went in and got the camera. In the end, yearling hen ran off the two year old, but neither bird was hurt. Roosters that fight that long will bring blood, because they'll be grabbing each other's wattles and trying to hurt each other like cage fighting or boxing. A henfight is more like MMA, it's all about dominating and when one is beat, she "taps out" and runs off. (notice they don't grab at each other's faces, or peck at the eyes, but rather, try to pull feathers off the head)

 

[insanity]

lol They pull hair like girls....thats funny.

Thanks for the info though. It will is always nice to learn about all aspects of chicken behavior.

 

[buffalogal]

Perhaps it's because I run a lot of birds who divide themselves into multiple micro flocks, but I don't remember seeing a rooster break up a hen fight, not even among his own girls. I see dominant roosters break up skirmishes between two subordinate males all the time, but they won't get involved when it's two females. They might at first rush up because there is a disturbance, but once they see it's the girls, they stand clear. During the fight in the video, there were at least a half dozen male birds within 15 feet, and not one felt compelled to rush over and do anything about it. Then again, there was no bloodshed and no injury, so, no point.

I honestly believe the Turkey was there because he is insatiably inquisitive, not because he had any ideas about making them stop. ("Oooo, chick fight! Front row seats! Cool!" - until he got knocked around a couple of times, and then he was not so curious after all)

 

[Jungleexplorer]

I see dominant roosters break up skirmishes between two subordinate males all the time, but they won't get involved when it's two females. They might at first rush up because there is a disturbance, but once they see it's the girls, they stand clear. During the fight in the video, there were at least a half dozen male birds within 15 feet, and not one felt compelled to rush over and do anything about it.

Smart Rooster! All smart men know it is not wise to get in between two women fighting.

 

[graybeard]

I have 2 13 week Roos that's are quick to stop a girl fight. Aggression isn't allowed on their watch. The most they do to each other is a quick stare down and walk away. This is my first flock of 6 birds. I think I've been lucky so far. Everyone works well together. The 2 Roos are very watchful of the girls, if one strays from the flock, the closest roo is quick to her side.

 

[DraigAthar]

I know there probably won't be a lot of you near me, but in case anyone is interested - I've got a few Dominique pullets at point-of-lay that I'm ready to sell. I don't need to keep all of these girls.

 

[Regin]

I know there probably won't be a lot of you near me, but in case anyone is interested - I've got a few Dominique pullets at point-of-lay that I'm ready to sell. I don't need to keep all of these girls.

Why couldn't you be in Carolina?:-(