Playing or fighting?

[BubbaBubbles]

Can anyone tell me why my 2 Buff Orpingtons jump and provoke each other so much? Sunny (roo) and Goldie (hen) grew up together and I assumed they'd mate once they reach full maturity but they've started displaying aggression but not... Actual aggression? It's more like sparring. Sunny jumps her a lot and she jumps him back. They try to jump the ducks and welsummers but that doesn't work. The welsummers are too small, so I scold them for it, and the ducks couldn't care less. Even so, they're constantly jumping at one another, squeaking and flying around but not pecking each other. Is this normal playful behavior that I should let be or is it something I should interfere on?

 

[ShrekDawg]

Chickens don’t “play” like other species. Seems to me like they are establishing dominance/the pecking order. Or he could be trying to mate and she’s just not ready yet. Either way, as long as there’s no blood, I’d leave them be.

 

[BubbaBubbles]

Chickens don’t “play” like other species. Seems to me like they are establishing dominance/the pecking order. Or he could be trying to mate and she’s just not ready yet. Either way, as long as there’s no blood, I’d leave them be.

Thank you. I thought it was the pecking order but I wasn't 100% sure. The head rooster is currently Trifle (in my pic) but Sunny's behavior tells me he wants to steal that spot already.

 

[fluffycrow]

They do these bickerings often. No need to worry. It might get more serious as the cockerel tries to assert his dominance, but as of now there's nothing to worry about

 

[ShrekDawg]

Thank you. I thought it was the pecking order but I wasn't 100% sure. The head rooster is currently Trifle (in my pic) but Sunny's behavior tells me he wants to steal that spot already.

You’re welcome! And your birds are gorgeous.

 

[BubbaBubbles]

They do these bickerings often. No need to worry. It might get more serious as the cockerel tries to assert his dominance, but as of now there's nothing to worry about

Thank you! I just lost a chick to flock aggression so it worries me very much. Glad I don't have to separate anyone (yet)..