Why do they do that?

[RhodeIslandRed5]

What's the deal with two chickens running up to each other, stopping, and with their heads up high and looking right at each others faces with their beaks almost touching? Playful gesture? Recognition of a buddy?

 

[Ribh]

Chest bumping is part of the way they sort out the pecking order. The chicken who backs down will be subordinate to the other.

 

[DobieLover]

It's a challenge. They are sorting out and/or maintaining the pecking order.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

Thanks! I just wondered what the deal was with that-thought it was funny!

 

[Ebony Rose]

Young pullets do it too. Three pecking orders in every flock. Girls vs girls, boys vs boys, and girls vs boys. Top hen, top cock, and Boss, respectively.

 

[aart]

Frequently happens when birds are 2-3 months old.
Gender doesn't matter.
It cracks me up.....Bunch 'O Punks Runmblin'!!

 

[DobieLover]

Frequently happens when birds are 2-3 months old.
Gender doesn't matter.
It cracks me up.....Bunch 'O Punks Runmblin'!!

I let my 4 and 5 week olds into the coop with my PBR hen last week. Two of them tried to rumble with her!

 

[aart]

I let my 4 and 5 week olds into the coop with my PBR hen last week. Two of them tried to rumble with her!

Have seen that happen before.....more hilarious than the teenagers sparring!
...as long as chicks don't get nailed too badly by hen.

 

[DobieLover]

Have seen that happen before.....more hilarious than the teenagers sparring!
...as long as chicks don't get nailed too badly by hen.

She's a good hen. She did give one a quick pop and the little one shrieked and ran off.
I wish I had recorded the entire encounter. Those chicks were flying around like maniacs and she just stood up tall and tried not to get hit in the face. That's when a couple of the littles decided to take her on. They won't be doing that again any time soon.

 

[That_australian_lad]

my youngest does that and is pushed on its back and cant get up