From the top: We bought 10 araucana chicks when they were from 1 to 3 weeks old, everything was great. Three weeks later we got 6 RIRs that were all 5 or 6weeks old, put them together... not so great. The RIRs didn't really beat up on the little ones but just kept them in a corner away from food and water so we seperated them till they were about 12 weeks. We put them in the together in the run and coop. The RIRs took control, naturally cause they're bigger, but no bloodshed or depriving them of food. The reds took the highest roost from day one. For the last two nights all the araucanas are on the top roost. Think there could have been a change in the pecking order? They pretty much stay as two differemt flocks while they're in the run. Just wondering.
Quote:Very likely. If they are real Araucanas, they are tough little buggers........Pop I agree with pop. Also remember the pecking order will never stay the same forever. It keeps changing. Once they get a little older they will start to form 1 big flock.
The best roost isn't always the topmost. My alpha ladies (and the roo) roost on the mid-level roosts. The beta ladies roost everywhere else, including up in the rafters above and down below. I've even got one Ameraucana who likes to swing like a parrot on the extension cord across the skylight and another who prefers roosting on the interior door lintel.
Now for the last two nights, one of the RIRs has been outside, on top of the coop door when I go out to lock them in for the night. It's not an easy or convenient place to get to. The top of the door is about six inches from the roof and opens to about three inches from an adjoining wall... tight spot!
Quote:Yes, I have an EE who tries to roost on the top half of our shed's open front door. It too is pretty tight between the top of the door and the roof eave, but it has become a routine for her. Every night, "No Amelia, you can't sleep there. Get off." She is getting better at jumping down, but still tries it every night! I also read with interest the accounts of those who sleep the highest are not necessarily the alpha hens. Hmm. This gives me a lot to think about!
The "chain of command" will change a lot as they grow and the flock mingles in. Eventually it will just give it time. The Amar. may be able to get on the top roost easier than the RIR's too. THey are a lighter bird and the RIR's are heavy. As my RIR's came to be about 8mts to a year they let the smaller hens roost up high and they took lower ones. Just a thought
When we moved the pecking order got all jumbled up and my 3rd in line (little silkie) is now being pushed around and jumped on by the one that was at the bottom. The lower order birds will also go to the coop a little earlier at night to ensure that they get a good spot and don't get pushed off of it. In my coop all the roost are at the same height so everyone is just jockying (sp) for position. You don't want to get stuck next to the ladder or everyone who comes up it will push you around.
