4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[skye]

Our two young buff orpingtons have started a new pattern of behaviour which we're hoping you knowledgeable Omlet people may be able to shed some light on.

 

They have started running towards each other very fast, then jumping in the air beak to beak, pecking each others beaks a couple of times with their hackles all spikey.

 

It doesn't look like serious fighting, more of a posturing behaviour, and a moment later they just stop what they're doing and waddle off together. But at the back of my mind I'm really worried, in case this is cockerel behaviour!!

 

Would hate it if Roxy and Ruby turned out to be Ronny and Robbie after all our careful integration etc.

 

Please tell me you have seen your hens do this before and it's nothing to worry about??!

 

Thanks in advance

Skye x

[Abbey Road Girl]

Wow! Sounds like they're playing Chicken, as in 1950s and 60s American teen car challenges.

 

Is this life imitating art has art been imitating chickens?

 

Hope you get it sorted--good luck!

[Egluntyne]

Sounds like they may be Ronnie and Robbie tbh. Any pics of them?

[WarrensWorld]

No more like Noel and Liam...................

[bettyhen]

My cream legbars do this too, it`s like they square up to each other and then walk off as if they are the best of friends.

They only seem to do it when they are let out to freerange though

Weird! Mine are definitely girls as they are an autosexing breed.

 

Sue

 

Yes definitely Noel and Liam behaviour!!!

[Gelbel]

 

They have started running towards each other very fast, then jumping in the air beak to beak, pecking each others beaks a couple of times with their hackles all spikey.

 

It doesn't look like serious fighting, more of a posturing behaviour, and a moment later they just stop what they're doing and waddle off together.

Skye x

 

My Rita and Joy do that a couple of times each time I FR them. I can assure you they are both girls.

 

They are no trouble to each other at any other time and they do play nicely (until one of them gets a worm - then it's scrums worthy of any professional rugby team). They are 2nd and 3rd in the pecking order - with Grace being top hen (at the mo).

 

Joy is really brave and adventurous but is the youngest and at the bottom of the pecking order (but I bet once she lays she'll be at the top) - I think she sometime instigates this to stamp her mark.

[quickcluck]

My Orps do this too!!!

[chelsea]

my 2 cochins also do this, its very funny and nothing to worry about.

[Space Chick]

My Wernlas Olive and Wyandotte do this, then next minute they are preening each other all gently.

 

Chooks hey

[miller30]

Hi i have 2 11 week old buff orps and mine do this i dont why i was worried that maybe they were cockerals to but i am positive they are florence and poppy so im not worried hope this helps leanne.

[skye]

Hello all -

 

Thanks for so many quick replies! You are all so much help. It is reassuring to learn that our girls are not the only nutters doing this, we could see it was a game and not serious, but the fact that lots of your pairs of girls do it is also good to hear.

 

Fingers crossed that they 'cockadoodle-DON'T'

 

xx