Not usual pecking order behavior?

[FowlPlay2]

I have an Americana pullet (possibly cockerel?) seriously picking on my barred rock cockerel. I’m not sure if this is normal behavior, but my Americana actively seeks my Barred Rock out, if I’m giving them attention. The Americana chases him around pecking at his face. This started only a few days ago, and I’m not sure if they’re just figuring things out or if it’s a serious issue. I suspect that the Americana could also be a cockerel, (s)he has a much redder comb than all the other chicks and seems to have saddle feathers (s)he flares up when she’s angry. They’re only five weeks though, so I’m not sure.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

How are they being kept? They could need more room, and things to do.

 

[redinator]

I have an Americana pullet (possibly cockerel?) seriously picking on my barred rock cockerel. I’m not sure if this is normal behavior, but my Americana actively seeks my Barred Rock out, if I’m giving them attention. The Americana chases him around pecking at his face. This started only a few days ago, and I’m not sure if they’re just figuring things out or if it’s a serious issue. I suspect that the Americana could also be a cockerel, (s)he has a much redder comb than all the other chicks and seems to have saddle feathers (s)he flares up when she’s angry. They’re only five weeks though, so I’m not sure.

I have very people oriented pullet that is a terror to the other chickens if they get any attention from me. Mine is just over 20 weeks and a very fiesty and dominant pullet. She's also the smallest of the bunch. . .smaller than the 12 week olds. I give her a thump and send her away if she tries to beat up on them while I'm petting/scratching them. If she waits patiently she gets scratches and treats too. Seems to be working, but some days she's just in a mood, lol.

 

[FowlPlay2]

How are they being kept? They could need more room, and things to do.

Sorry I completely forgot about this post! My Americana is in fact a rooster, and everyone is figured out now with the occasional scuffle. My two roosters are getting along well for now.

 

[FowlPlay2]

I have very people oriented pullet that is a terror to the other chickens if they get any attention from me. Mine is just over 20 weeks and a very fiesty and dominant pullet. She's also the smallest of the bunch. . .smaller than the 12 week olds. I give her a thump and send her away if she tries to beat up on them while I'm petting/scratching them. If she waits patiently she gets scratches and treats too. Seems to be working, but some days she's just in a mood, lol.

I have one just like that too! I was so worried about her being so much smaller than everybody else, but she’s at the top of the pecking order. She’s held her own against our big boy Rusty (rooster) who’s almost twice her size, and beats on the bigger hens if they get in her way. She’s not a terrible menace like yours sounds to be, but she’s definitely one the boss hens.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sorry I completely forgot about this post! My Americana is in fact a rooster, and everyone is figured out now with the occasional scuffle. My two roosters are getting along well for now.

Thank you for the update. Glad it's calmed down.

 

[redinator]

I have one just like that too! I was so worried about her being so much smaller than everybody else, but she’s at the top of the pecking order. She’s held her own against our big boy Rusty (rooster) who’s almost twice her size, and beats on the bigger hens if they get in her way. She’s not a terrible menace like yours sounds to be, but she’s definitely one the boss hens.

I have a soft spot for the feisty ones, so I wouldn't call her a menace, but she definitely doesn't take anyone's crap . . . I think she's me in chicken form, lol.