[ycholmes]

I am hoping someone can help me?  I have recently got 2 beautiful Orpingtons, 1 Buff and 1 Blue.  They are starting to settle in with my 3 hybrids that we have had for just over a year.  I have noticed the two new ones seem to be acting out a bit of a ritual at times.  Standing tall, hackles up, and dancing round each other.  Then they knock necks together then go in for the pecking or they have a major standoff, glaring at each other daring each other to move first.  My biggest worry is that these two or maybe one of them is not a hen and maybe a cockerel.  Is this behaviour typical of cockerels?

[joyfull]

Hens as well as cockerels will do this behaviour - it is part of deciding who is the boss. How old are they?

[ycholmes]

Hi Joyfull
They are now almost 20 weeks old.

[joyfull]

usually if they are boys they would have crowed by now, but it does depend on the breed.
more than likely they are just deciding who is higher in the pecking order 

[ycholmes]

Many thanks Joyfull, I knew I could count on you for reassuring advice.

[joyfull]

don't count on it - one of my araucanas started to crow at 9 months old, wheras one I thought was a boy started to lay eggs 

[ycholmes]

Oh just what I didn't want to hear!!  Oh well, fingers crossed they are girlies.  They would have to go if not as I don't think my neighbours would be too pleased.  The girls make enough noise in the morning as it is!