Will pullets and cockerels spar?

[Justafarmgirl]

I've noticed that.. almost all of my chicks from my 'straight run' have been play-sparring, marking out a 'pecking order'(lulz) I suppose. I know they establish dominance, is it by play-fighting? Nobody's come to blows yet(Except our big rooster, aggro, who will occasionally accidentally grab a feather or two), they'll run at each other, puff up and stand tall on their toes, and then jump up and flutter their wings- I'm sure you know the deal.

Anyways, my question is- will pullets engage in this behavior as well as cockerels? Or am I looking at two dozen soon-to-be roosters?

Thanks!
Confused in Maryland.

 

[ChooksChick]

Absolutely. They will spar regardless of gender- don't fret!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Yes, if you ignore broodies defending their young, there are two reasons chickens fight. One is flock dominance. Many think that is just for roosters, but if you have a flock with no roosters, two hens can fight for flock dominance. Once flock dominance is established, everything else is pecking order. Sex does not matter for pecking order. Often some hens are above the non-dominant roosters in a flock. I've seen grown hens square off with young cockerals to keep the that young upstart in his proper place in the pecking order. Whipped his butt too.

In the brooder, pullets and cockerels will absolutely square off. It gets a lot of the pecking order stuff out of the way before they are old enough to hurt each other that much. At least usually they don't hurt each other that much. Sometimes stuff happens.

 

[Justafarmgirl]

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Thanks!

I'm much relieved :3 First batch of chickens is like first kid(I assume)- so much worrying! lol

 

[Justafarmgirl]

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(I like your quote btw!) Awesome, I wanted to double check- I'm glad there's places online with more experienced fowlkeepers to ask these lame questions of XD Thanks very much!

 

[Baralak]

We call that Chicken TV in these here parts... lol..

My wife and I do sit in front of the coop in the late afternoon just to watch.. My little 5 week old seramas are still inside, but they love to be watched just as much.