Shifting pecking order?

[deidreg]

I have a pair of rental hens, an Australorp (Inky) and a Brahma (Pixie). They've been together for two weeks and are both about a year old. (According to their owner.) Inky is laying, and Pixie is not. Pixie doesn't squat when approached from behind, so I speculate she's not fully mature. (I know Brahmas take longer.)

Inky is clearly at the top of the pecking order. Their first week together was rough, but no injuries. Inky has calmed down, and Pixie is more confident.

During supervised free ranging today, Pixie jumped on Inky's back and pulled at her neck feathers. I was surprised and Inky looked shocked. Inky did not retaliate. I also saw that Pixie often stayed right next to Inky while eating grass. Pixie also stood her ground when Inky tried to move in on her food.

Is this a sign of shifting pecking order? Or Pixie telling Inky she won't be bullied? Or (gasp) could Pixie be a young roo? See photo.

 

[The Happster]

Photos please.
At a year old, that is plenty mature. She should be laying eggs.
It's more likely you have a male in there. They seem to have a skill sneaking in.

 

[deidreg]

Photos please.
At a year old, that is plenty mature. She should be laying eggs.
It's more likely you have a male in there. They seem to have a skill sneaking in.

Thanks, just added photo.

 

[The Happster]

Does not look like a one year old.
Could be either, depending on the age.
Saddles look rounded.

 

[deidreg]

Does not look like a one year old.
Could be either, depending on the age.
Saddles look rounded.

Just added pic with different view. Pixie is small, especially for a Brahma. Their owner is not the most reliable narrator.

 

[The Happster]

Face says female.
Not seeing anything particularly manly.
Mating thing is odd though. Although I've heard it happening between the hens before.
I would guess it's a pullet less than half the age she said.

 

[cmom]

Do you have any pictures of Inky?

 

[cmom]

It's a bit hard to tell for sure but Pixie looks like a female but if she/he is younger she may be a he. Wait for either a crow or egg. Just curious, why you are renting them? My thought would be to see if you really want to raise chickens.

 

[deidreg]

Do you have any pictures of Inky?

Yes, just added up top. She's the black hen, with her former flock mate.

 

[deidreg]

It's a bit hard to tell for sure but Pixie looks like a female but if she/he is younger she may be a he. Wait for either a crow or egg. Just curious, why you are renting them? My thought would be to see if you really want to raise chickens.

Exactly! Wanted to try before making a commitment. And I am all in. These girls go back to their farm next month. (The hens are great teachers.) I have a new coop and run coming late September, and four pullets in October.