Cause of behavior changes in a historically peaceable flock of 9 hens?

[sophiehatter1057]

Out of curiosity, which company did you use?

Knight's Poultry

 

[rosemarythyme]

As others have said, it's normal. You don't have hens yet, you have immature teenagers, and their pecking order will continue to change as hormones cause some to mature sooner and others later. Once they're all laying you'll get a much better idea of where they all stand relative to one another.

If you don't already have multiple feeders, adding some extras, spread out and behind clutter to break line of sight, will help give the lower ranked birds opportunity to eat.

 

[sophiehatter1057]

As others have said, it's normal. You don't have hens yet, you have immature teenagers, and their pecking order will continue to change as hormones cause some to mature sooner and others later. Once they're all laying you'll get a much better idea of where they all stand relative to one another.

If you don't already have multiple feeders, adding some extras, spread out and behind clutter to break line of sight, will help give the lower ranked birds opportunity to eat.

Great idea on breaking the line of sight with extra resources, thank you!