too young for the mating game

[scruffysmom]

First pic is my EE hen with her adopted Royal Palm poults. Second pic is the smallest RP poult (Yankee) that hopped on the largest poult (in the first pic), grabbed her by the back of the head and attempted to mate with her. I'm assuming the largest one is female. Two days later my 9-week-old bantam OEG rooster attempted the same. Aren't they a little young for this behavior?

 

[muddyhorse]

more of a dominance thing I think. sometimes my female ducks do that, and I've caught chicks experimenting.

 

[toto65]

Teenagers, they start younger all the time!!!

 

[scruffysmom]

Btw, does anyone think Yankee looks like a peacock? What's with those feathers on his head?

 

[Lagerdogger]

Quote:
I've gotten the wrong breed before, but never the wrong species! Maybe you have a royal palm silkie

 

[Frosty]

Does Yankee have a snood? I have heard of turfted turkeys before... can't remember if they kept it when they grew up?

Send it to me and I'll let you know what I think

 

[scruffysmom]

No, he doesn't have a snood, and I'm not sure of his age, but I've had him for approximately 6 weeks. I got him at an auction. He has no black feathers yet, odd because all the others do. I think he's male because I've seen him hop on top of one of the other turkeys twice now. I'll post a close-up as soon as I can get one.

 

[scruffysmom]

Pics of Yankee, whatever he may be.

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[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
I'm no expert, but your baby in pic 2 looks like a peachick.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
Didn't see these first, that is definitely a peachick. Congrats