Wing Flapping and other Body Language

[SueT]

What have you observed about chicken body language? I’m only just beginning to realize that certain everyday behaviors, some quite subtle, are actually part of chicken speak.


I am wondering about wing flapping. I have 2 cockerels, 4 mo old, and #2, who is always subservient to #1, never challenges him, does a LOT of wing flapping. It seems to mean, "It’s okay, dude, I’m not doing anything. " And he lives in peace w #1. So far anyway. Someone told me that the pecking order is established in the brooder. Here is #2 as a baby….what I thought was just stretching or youthful exuberance may have been the same communication I am seeing from him today….

But the first pic above is #1 flapping. Was he telling me he's not a threat? Or can wing flapping be a warning in some circumstances? I have seen hens do the flapping too. I've only just begun to pay attention to the social situation related to it, what direction they are facing, etc. What are your observations of flapping behaviors?

I always make sure these cockerels move out of my way, and stay out of my space. But what else can I be doing body language wise to ensure they will always respect me? What does it mean if I turn my back on one? Lean over? Stand facing one? Sit? Look away? I don't want to invite trouble.

What does it mean if a chicken turns it back to another? Faces and looks at another? Turns sideways to?
I have seen head lowering, tail lowering....in contrast to tail up....




Any guesses about low tail wag? I have seen both the girls and boys do it.


What other body language have you noticed/interpreted? Thanks to all who share their experiences and ideas!

 

[TheTwoRoos]

My birds seem to wing flap when being threatened by a stronger bird (one who is above them in order).Whenever I bring my most dominant hen over in my hands they all seem to flap their wings in sign of submission I do believe.My cockerels also do it when they see the most dominant coming in their direction.Usually when he is within five or six feet or little more.
As far as turned by your back,I only think they will see it as weakness if they view you as a threat.If you have had past issues or current and turn your back.Or for an example a rooster is running at you with aggression and you turn your back and run,I think that is the only time it means anything to a bird period.I keep all my roosters as pets,and typically for watch outs,and I move freely.I turn my back on my boy all the time,just turn around if I’m walking to another location.He does nothing but follow me around and beg me for feed.As far as eye contact/facing one,I simply think it can mean a challenge,but that depends on how the bird it’s self looks at you.I have had hens add me to the “Totem Pole” and actually try fighting me,Always is the hens who are closets to me.I once had a hen wing dance around my body and try putting me in my place,very funny.
As far as a tail wag,I generally notice this when a bird is done preening and relaxing,I think it is a way of dusting them selfs off,but I am very unsure,just a guess.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Also,I’m not talking about a typical wing flap.Whne it is a submissive wing flap they seem to flap their wings and almost pull their necks and pretty much make their bodies smaller.Cockerels usually raise their neck feathers up and flap their wings and walk away.

 

[SueT]

I went out there just now, and #1 roo, who was by himself, saw me and flapped his wings. What a simple reassurance, and before today, I didn't realize what it meant.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

There are definitely different wing flaps.Soem can me I’m cocky and finna crow,and some can mean I wanna fight,and some can mean it’s acred.Usually the other two are a loud hard clap continuously.

 

[SueT]

There are definitely different wing flaps.Soem can me I’m cocky and finna crow,and some can mean I wanna fight,and some can mean it’s acred.Usually the other two are a loud hard clap continuously.

okay, got it. I'll pay attention and learn.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

I wish I could find a video of it.

 

[centrarchid]

The wing flapping can also be performed as an act of displaying quality and it is done differently, especially when considering the sound produced. With that display I listen for a popping sound. My crowing broody hens also produce the popping sound.

 

[PouleChick]

I'm going to start paying more attention! I'm still on the learning how to keep them all healthy and alive curve at the moment so haven't really started working out all the body language! Will read any more replies with interest!

 

[HuffleClaw]

Late reply- but cool thread! I see lots of body language from my chooks!!