Odd Chicken Behavior--do you know what it is?

[Kwyjibo]

Hi everyone! All our chicks are about 11 weeks old. We have one large Dominique--which we believe to be a hen---that goes around putting one foot on the back of the other chickens and then snuggling her head next to the others. Up until the past couple of weeks or so, she was active and the first one to the feed bowl or whatever goodies we brought in addition. Then, she just wanted to stay inside the coop. If I brought her out, she would go about foraging and everything would be OK. Now, she's doing this odd behavior. Has anyone seen this before?

Thanks

 

[they'reHISchickens]

That's a new one! Is she the only Dominique?

 

[Kwyjibo]

No, there are two others. We have 3 gold-laced Polish, 4 Buckeyes, 4 Javas, and 3 Dominiques total. But she has been hanging out with one Java and one Polish that has a gimpy leg--she's the one my husband saw her doing this too and thought she was the only one, but then she went out of the coop and "spread the love" to others.

Thanks for replying

 

[centrarchid]

I have lots of dominiques. How is her weight holding up?

 

[Kwyjibo]

They seem to be doing alright. Why? Are Dominiques prone to eating problems?

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
The stepping on other birds mine do, males are usually the ones doing it. The business of pushing head against / under flock mates I associate with being cold. Thin birds have a harder time staying warm.

 

[Kwyjibo]

Thank you Centrarchid for your reply. A pecking order thing does sound more likely with the foot thing, but when it's directly followed by what appears to us to be snuggling, we don't know what to make of it. Maybe she's putting her face next to theirs to say "Hey, It's me, BobbyRae, I just stepped on you so that means I'm ahead of you in the pecking order now, Ok?" She does seem like a polite chicken......