Hen wing dancing at Pullet

[WingItRanch]

This morning when I was checking on the chickens, I had a pullet squat for me. I reached down to pat her back and one of my hens (she's a year and a half old) wing danced at the squatting pullet. She circled around with one wing dropping and then stopped and bowed up like she was going to spar. I gently moved her away but I was surprised because I've only seen cockerels/roosters wing dance. Once the pullet stood and shook herself, all went back to normal.

Thought I'd share to hear if anyone else has experienced a hen wing dancing.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Haven't seen one wing dance yet. I have seen dominant hens pecking pullets when the rooster mates them. So perhaps she was there to get some dominating in while she had a chance.

 

[WingItRanch]

Haven't seen one wing dance yet. I have seen dominant hens pecking pullets when the rooster mates them. So perhaps she was there to get some dominating in while she had a chance.

Taking advantage of the situation, maybe. The hen that danced is my top hen. Interestingly, when I introduced the pullets, the lowest hen on the pecking order was actually the most vicious. I'm guessing so she wouldn't get dropped down even further.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Taking advantage of the situation, maybe. The hen that danced is my top hen. Interestingly, when I introduced the pullets, the lowest hen on the pecking order was actually the most vicious. I'm guessing so she wouldn't get dropped down even further.

That's usually how it works. That bottom bird is so happy to not be bottom anymore they sometimes get a bit too aggressive for a bit.

The fact that you pullet squatted means she's becoming an adult, and can be a threat to the dominant birds position, so it's a good chance to remind them. I also wonder if some of it is jealousy, especially when they are being mated. Only the chicken knows for sure.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

That's usually how it works. That bottom bird is so happy to not be bottom anymore they sometimes get a bit too aggressive for a bit.

The fact that you pullet squatted means she's becoming an adult, and can be a threat to the dominant birds position, so it's a good chance to remind them. I also wonder if some of it is jealousy, especially when they are being mated. Only the chicken knows for sure.

Middle school/high school all over again!