Hen acts like a rooster

[DIMBY]

I posted this some time ago, that I had noticed one of my hens actually "mounting" another hen just like a rooster would mate. There are some other posts on this, it's rare but not unheard of, but no pictures or vids - understandably since this lasts all of about 5 seconds. Well, yesterday I was videoing my girls eating a ham bone (thought there would be a funny moment - there wasn't, it was pretty boring) when, Snap, there it is! And, here it is, for your viewing pleasure (promise - this is PG rated!).

 

[Blackberry18]

Interesting! Doesn't seem like domination. It has never been proven that animals can be homosexual, but that's my only thought. Nice plumb chickens you've got there! Black Australorps and New Hamphires?

 

[DIMBY]

Good eye, yes Aussies and NHs. There have been vids of penguins perhaps exhibiting such behavior or similar.

 

[mimisus]

We are in the middle of a mess here. Trying to sort out the 'problem kids' and twice now I've noticed one hen 'mount' other hens. Once when the rooster was present, and again this morning, when he was locked up in a smaller coop about 15 ft away (doing EVERYTHING possible you escape, let me tell you!!!)

In my case, not only did she mount her, she pecked at her and bullied her. Something I'll not tolerate, as this particular hen lost an eye and I'm very partial to her. So, in my case, I'm 'thinking' bullying, but will be curious what others think of your situation!

 

[DIMBY]

I've never seen any bullying, pecking or harm done, and it seems to be transitory, over the years 2 or 3 of my chickens have done this and from what I can see it's not very often, either.