Is this normal?

[shadegrow]

Our 2 point of lays which we bought in October seem to be showing signs of playing. They face off against each other then skip around. As far as I know chickens don't play. I'm wondering if it's a form of display behaviour. I'm also wondering if it is have we been sold a couple of cockerels.

[Nicos]

...hmmm...are they raising their neck feathers and staring at each other face on?

sounds like 2 young lads to me

[elizajay]

I hatched some cockerels and they did that a lot. The hens do it too, I think it is a pecking order display, I am bigger and more aggressive than you. They don't seem to make contact and it's hilarious watching my tiny Japanese bantam face off my much bigger maran bantam.

[Nicos]

I've done a quick Google- and here's a piccie of two older ones facing up- they then jump at each other with feet forwards

[Nicos]

last try...




and yup - my gals have done it a little bit too- but never with feathers up as on this piccie

[MaureenHall]

2 or 3 of my 5 week old chicks are doing it too

[Suechooks]

I've seen my girls doing that. Usually when one flock meets the other out free ranging.

[Nicos]

Ah..well..ya see..time will tell!...sit back and relax- and let them get on with it....if all else fails...'twill be omlette or roast chicken for Boxing Day!!!!

[petal]

I have a pekin that does that to anyone bigger than him, he usually wins - feisty things pekins!