Rooster behavior at 3.5 and 2 weeks?

[Lope4Life]

FHi everyone,

I have 3 chicks out of 8 that seem to be fighting for the lead spot. Two are about 3.5 weeks old (Little Finger and Nugget) and one is only 2 weeks old (Atilla the Hen). Little Finger started off being the dominant one over him but now seems to challenged and “fighting” with Nugget and Atilla quit often. They’ll chase each other down jump on top of each other feet first, peck each other etc etc. The 3 leave the others alone for the most part and only bicker to each other. I know you can’t determine if they’re cockerels or pullets until they’re at least 6 weeks or fully feathered but what about personality? It it possible they could be just really really bossy hens? Attaching pics of the 3 because why not.

Little Finger is the black w/feathered feet. Nugget is the brown w/white feathers coming in on his chest and Attila is the one with the leopard looking face.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Both sexes spar, it's normal.

 

[Peeperscreepers]

I was wondering about this too as I have a couple chicks that "fight". I have started to think its normal(if the fighting isn't too severe). Like when a litter of puppys play fight and it sometimes looks or sounds serious. Lol. Hopefully it's just part of establishing a pecking order.

 

[Lope4Life]

Thank y’all so much. I know it’s to early to tell but I was already (still am) worried about the 3 rooster to 5 hen ratio later on

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I agree. Both sexes spar. Some birds more than others.
I've had some very snotty hens as pullets, and laid back roos.
Time will tell. Comb development is generally the best and first indicator.

LofMc

 

[TattooedChicks]

From what I can see, you’ve got a few chicks who are definitely cockerel suspicious, especially the first 2. And as for the fighting, I can often tell in my young chicks based on how they fight, with who, and for how long. Extended sessions of chest bumping, shoulder dropping, head bobbing, and foot flying are all good signs of having a male trying to dominate another male. I’ve had pullet chicks do some of this, usually to rowdy cockerel instigators, but it’s just to make a quick point before moving on. Boys will go till they wear out or lose.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

It's too early to tell with any certainty, but of those posted, this one is suspicious due to comb size: