change of pecking order

[seahuntmike]

Just out of curiosity i have 5 chicks in the brooder that will be in the coop in a few weeks. Does or can the pecking order change? Just curious. Thanks

 

[sourland]

The pecking order is an ever changing social structure. Those on the bottom are always looking for a chance to improve their position.

 

[Bridebeliever]

Oh yes, it certainly can change! Are you talking about this group changing or because you will be adding them in with more of your flock?

 

[seahuntmike]

Sorry adding to an existing flock of four

 

[TimCline]

It will most likely change. Even small, closed flocks change constantly. Especially hens change all the time.

 

[seahuntmike]

Thanks for the info

 

[TheTwoRoos]

It can.Just odayu I reenetred a hen and since as far as the other hens knew,she lost her place,so some hens weren't so nice,and well pushed her even closer to the bottom or some tried.

 

[aart]

Sorry adding to an existing flock of four

How are you planning on integrating the new chicks into the flock / coop?
How old are the chicks?

 

[seahuntmike]

The chiks are about 4-5 weeks old

 

[aart]

Quote:

The chiks are about 4-5 weeks old

The chicks will be at the bottom of the pecking order....could be fatally, if you don't manage the integration.



Here's some notes I've taken on integration that I found to be very helpful.......
......take what applies or might help and ignore the rest.
See if any of them, or the links provided at the bottom, might offer some tips that will assist you in your situation:

Integration of new chickens into flock.

Consider medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article
Poultry Biosecurity
BYC 'medical quarantine' search

It's about territory and resources(space/food/water). Existing birds will almost always attack new ones.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact. Integrating new birds of equal size works best.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide out of line of sight and/or up and away from any bully birds.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best of mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

Another option, if possible, is to put all birds in a new coop and run, this takes the territoriality issues away.

For smaller chicks I used a large wire dog crate right in the coop for the smallers. I removed the crate door and put up a piece of wire fencing over the opening and bent up one corner just enough for the smallers to fit thru but the biggers could not. Feed and water inside the crate for the smallers. Make sure the smallers know how to get in and out of the crate opening before exposing them to the olders. this worked out great for me, by the time the crate was too small for the them to roost in there(about 3 weeks), they had pretty much integrated themselves to the olders. If you have too many smallers to fit in a crate you can partition off part of the coop with a wire wall and make the same openings for smallers escape.

Best example ever of chick respite and doors by azygous https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1069595/introducing-chicks-to-adults#post_16276224


Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock