Flirting or fighting??

[kathyd]

Hi

I have a young cockerel - 18-20 weeks, and moulting. I have 7 hens - 2 of his sisters, 3 adult birds and 2 recent hens about 16-17 weeks. The cockerel and his 2 sisters have always been a little clique of their own, but latterly his affections have been veering towards one sister, although all 3 are still friendly. He started showing off a bit to her, as teenage boys tend to do, running up to her and stretching his neck up. She does the same thing back to him, but ends up giving in in the end. However, today things hotted up a bit and his ruffle on his neck all stood up, and I'd swear the pair of them were jumping up and clawing at each other. It all came to nothing - she finally gave in again and lowered her head, which he pecked at (not too hard, she didn't seem to mind). But I'm not sure if this is normal flirty behaviour, or if it's looking like something more serious?

Thx

[Nicos]

My youngsters do it occasionally- both boys and girls. It's a pecking order thing as far as I'm aware.
The boys can get quite nasty at times.
I've also seen a sister sparring with her brother

They'll sort it out soon enough.

Flirting involves flapping one wing downwards and doing a little shuffle sideways- often after calling one of the gals over saying he's found something yummy to eat.
Weird things chickens!

[Aberdeenplotter]

hmmph, just like wimmin :::::::::::::::::::flees::::::::::::

[RichmondHens]

He's sparring, and also at this age just realising that he is a male in with females. They don't take any account of whether they are related or not. If he is the only cock then you will soon notice him taking command a bit more too, a bit of pecking, just to show who's boss. Older hens tend to stand up to young inexperienced cocks for quite a while sometimes, but eventually he will be boss of all.

Don't you just love that little fancy dance they do Nicos? I've had cocks that have been so enthusiastic they have tripped over their own wings. Not too impressive I'd say!

[kathyd]

Hi Nicos

Can't imagine him doing a sideways shuffle - he'd trip over his own feet! He's the one with the twisted toes .

Poor AP - you have fleas? *blink *

RH - he is the only cock, yes - the older ones have ignored or tolerated him up to now, and pecked him if he gets in the way, but I have noticed one or two of them will now hold back if he wants the food they're eating (which he invariably does). Oh! And is little deformed sister actually stood up to him tonight, and pecked him back when he pecked her for her food, and chased him off! That was a first! What about the cock's 'favourite' female then - does she automatically become the dominant hen? And what if the hens don't want him messing with them? I can't wait to see him give Big Dotty a go... lol . I only took him to save him from certain death in the oven, so what if he becomes a pain? Do I separate him out on his own? With a hen or two? Or do I have to get rid of him? Or will it all magically resolve itself one way or another...?

[Nicos]

hmmph, just like wimmin :::::::::::::::::::flees::::::::::::

...hmmmm...hovers over the 'RED' button

[Nicos]

kathy...leave him be!
If he's the only male- then the gals will sort him out!!! ;0


Nice to watch the evolution of dominance isn't it????

[kathyd]

I'm so glad you said that Nicos, because I'm really quite fond of him and I'd hate to do anything mean to him! He's really sweet at the moment, and even still makes those helpless little boy lost squeaky noises at me if he thinks it'll get him extra rations, bless . Beats the bossy honky noises he's started making the rest of the time.

I can quite see where the phrase 'hen pecked' comes from now though, it's all come clear! I couldn't believe it tonight when Bums-down pecked back and stuck up for herself - he doesn't stand a chance against 7 of them really, does he?? Although I suspect RH is right and he'll end up being the boss of all of them, even if one or two of them are a bit long suffering about it.

[Glutton4...]

... Don't you just love that little fancy dance they do Nicos? I've had cocks that have been so enthusiastic they have tripped over their own wings. Not too impressive I'd say!

Asbo does that - trips over his wing. He gets quite upset when I laugh at him.

No wonder he hates me!