Competition in the flock

[Ajoy1955]

Is it normal for the pecking order to be reestablished? My Brown Leghorn (9 months old) used to be at the bottom, she is now challenging her flock mate Sapphire Olive Egger who’s also 9 months old! They are actually going at it like two Roosters, so far just minor pecks on combs .. most of the time though the OE just moves out of her way …I am assuming this scuffle will work its self out??

 

[Perris]

yes it's normal. It fluctuates with each bird's personality, general health, laying state, moulting state, broody state etc.. And at less than a year old, they're still establishing the basic pattern.

 

[Ajoy1955]

yes it's normal. It fluctuates with each bird's personality, general health, laying state, moulting state, broody state etc.. And at less than a year old, they're still establishing the basic pattern.

What is crazy is…. This leghorn is the smallest hen in my flock, and the hen she is challenging is much larger..

 

[Perris]

What is crazy is…. This leghorn is the smallest hen in my flock, and the hen she is challenging is much larger..

same here; top hen Maria is the smallest by some margin. It's attitude not size that matters!