Roosters behavior?

[KM2H]

Hello lovely people. I just bought 5 baby chicks 3 weeks old at the moment. They are suspected to be a mixture of orpington and ameraucana. Growing up I only remember my mom raising baby chicks once but not much more than that to add any experience. We, of course, don't know the sex but I got them for almost nothing and even if they all end up being roosters I can at least learn something from the experience. This morning I took them out to "cage range" and noticed that they were running around, flapping their wings, normal stuff but then there was like a little confrontation rooster style. My question to you all with more experience is: could this be rooster behavior or just chicks playing? My 91 years old grandma think they were just playing, she asked me is I have ever seen hens fighting, which I never have, yet . I will try to attach a little clip of the action. Thank you all for your time.

 

[KM2H]

Hello lovely people. I just bought 5 baby chicks 3 weeks old at the moment. They are suspected to be a mixture of orpington and ameraucana. Growing up I only remember my mom raising baby chicks once but not much more than that to add any experience. We, of course, don't know the sex but I got them for almost nothing and even if they all end up being roosters I can at least learn something from the experience. This morning I took them out to "cage range" and noticed that they were running around, flapping their wings, normal stuff but then there was like a little confrontation rooster style. My question to you all with more experience is: could this be rooster behavior or just chicks playing? My 91 years old grandma think they were just playing, she asked me is I have ever seen hens fighting, which I never have, yet . I will try to attach a little clip of the action. Thank you all for your time.

 

[katelwil]

Hello to share a video you will have to upload it to YouTube and then post the link in this thread. Unfortunately we cannot upload videos directly to BYC.

 

[KM2H]

I think it's fixed now

 

[KM2H]

Hello to share a video you will have to upload it to YouTube and then post the link in this thread. Unfortunately we cannot upload videos directly to BYC.

OK, I thought I just had . Clearly I am clueless

 

[InterestingChickens]

It is quite possible that they are just sorting out the pecking order as hens do this too at the early stages. They also could be a bit more exited because they are outside (for the first time?).

 

[katelwil]

Based on your video I'd say it's too young to know for sure. I've had chicks "act like cockrels" but turn out to be pullets.
For now, I'd say you can't rely on the behavior. I'd post head shots of the chicks in about a month.

 

[Ryguy3684]

My chicks always fight/play like this, regardless of sex. It doesn't seem to matter too much at that age. My favorite is when the hackle feathers flare out like a little velociraptor. They are definitely little dinosaurs.

 

[KM2H]

Sorry guys, I can't seem to be able to upload my little clip and I have no idea how to take my post down. I accidentally pressed the green button before I was ready

It is quite possible that they are just sorting out the pecking order as hens do this too at the early stages. They also could be a bit more exited because they are outside (for the first time?).

I got them on Saturday and I did this just for a few minutes on Sunday and today for a bit longer. I have no idea if the previous owner would let them be out like this. They definitely look happy when they are outside ☺

 

[KM2H]

Based on your video I'd say it's too young to know for sure. I've had chicks "act like cockrels" but turn out to be pullets.
For now, I'd say you can't rely on the behavior. I'd post head shots of the chicks in about a month.

Thank you, I will definitely do that.