A new "pecking order?"

[Becky388]

I recently had to get rid of my rooster because of aggression issues. Now the flock seem to be trying to sort out a new pecking order. One of the Barred Rock hens is starting to be a bully and peck at the others. I think she is trying to "become the boss." In another instance we had a Rhodie in one of the nesting boxes when another Rhodie started to attack her and try to drive her out of the box. I would really like some advise as to whether this is normal behavior or are they acting up because of the loss of the rooster,

 

[sourland]

Normal behavior = they are restructuring their social order. The rooster used to be boss and maintain order. Now they are trying to figure out who the new boss will be.

 

[AuntNomi]

Yes would say it's very normal. When we got rid of a rooster everything shifted in the pecking order of our flock as well. They got it all figured out and things are fine now. It was not too big of a deal here, didn't seem to take too long, or upset any of them too much.

 

[Becky388]

Thanks everyone for the replies. It is good to know the girls are acting like normal chickens.

 

[sourland]

'Normal' and 'chickens' in the same sentence may be an oxymoron.

 

[Becky388]

Never a dull moment that's for sure!

 

[Hope1122]

It is normal but I would wacth to make sure the one who is pecking isn't truning into a bully towards your other hens.