Am I right that the senior chicken leads the 'to roost' display?

[BackyardinWales]

I've noticed over the last few times putting the girls to bed that they go in in slightly differing order. Tonight it was led by two teenagers, then the two hens, then last teenager. Does the top position regularly change? Does anyone know what the rules are for this change? Considering I thought I knew who the boss was, I'm a little confused. Thanks.

 

[Ecarroll]

I've noticed over the last few times putting the girls to bed that they go in in slightly differing order. Tonight it was led by two teenagers, then the two hens, then last teenager. Does the top position regularly change? Does anyone know what the rules are for this change? Considering I thought I knew who the boss was, I'm a little confused. Thanks.

I’m not sure about the order the hens go in, but if you have a rooster they typically go in last.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Different things can affect when they go in. It is not always dominance. Don't try to read too much into it.

Each chicken has its own personality, each flock has its own dynamics. The often set up patterns but those dynamics can change. You have teenagers. Some of them may still be maturing so their behaviors can change as they age. The order they go in can easily change.

Sometimes the dominant one goes in last to me sure everyone makes it. Sometimes they go in earlier to check things out. A young immature chicken may wait until all the others are in so it can find a safe place away from the dominant ones.

The dominant ones get to sleep where they want to. I'd look at that a lot more than when they go in.

 

[aart]

I've had some flocks that roost in the same order at times, then completely different after awhile.
As long as they are all on the roost and safe it doesn't much matter.

Best observation of roosting order was when I had 3 age groups at the same time. The older birds went in first would fill their crops then go up on the roost, they wouldn't let any of the youngsters into the coop, then the next group would come in, finally the youngest group would be allowed in.

 

[BackyardinWales]

Thank you all for your wisdom.