Pecked Tiny Chicks Were Both Roosters!

[ClareScifi]

As you may recall, 7 weeks ago my chicken eggs hatched, and the Stepmama who had been sitting on them badly pecked two of the emerging little chicks. I suspected from the start that they were both high testosterone males, who unnerved the hen, and sure enough, I was right! At 7 weeks old I am able to identify their gender. I thought this was very interesting, that she pecked the male chicks only. She had never been around male chickens before, ever.

Does anyone have any information about this phenomenon? I wonder whether hens who have not been exposed to male chickens tend to peck newly hatched male chicks more often than female chicks, or exclusively?

Does anyone know?

Clare

 

[idispatch4911]

Thats an interesting theory. I wish I had her next time when my chickies hatch so I can identify the ones I need to cull. HMM!