Does Every Flock have a Pecking Order?

[TheSpiceGirls]

When I show off my girls, people ask me what the pecking order is. I don't really think they have one. There are only 4 of them and they have plenty of space. They all have access to eat and drink at the same time so I don't feel like they compete with each other. I don't notice any pecking or shoving to signify an order.

Just curious what others thought who also have a small flock.

 

[Pinky]

If they don't compete then they have the pecking order established so there is no need for pecking. Everyone must know there place

 

[PepsNick]

Yes, every flock has a pecking order, but often the owner doesn't even know it. How old are your birds? They could be too young to start pecking and such.

 

[RhodeIslandRedFan]

I had 4 hens and wondered whether there was a pecking order, as I never noticed one. Everyone seemed to get along just fine. One of my hens died and the smallest of my hens overnight became the dominant one, pecking the others away from the food until she ate and picking "her" spot on the roost. My hen's death shook up the pecking I never knew existed.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Agreed. The pecking order starts from day one in the brooder. If it is finely tuned and in good order, the owner may not even be aware of it, but it's there alright.

 

[centrarchid]

I think pecking order is established immediately after hatch. Signals of aggression and submission often / usually more subtle than actual pecking making order for human observer difficult to detect.

 

[SunnyCalifornia]

Quote:
Same thing happened to me! And the successor is much more "pecky" than her predecessor. I'm nervous to house my three younger pullets with her, they are almost the same size now. I guess I just need to put them all together, and let them sort it out, huh?

 

[fratmor]

I have my EE that when I throw grain she gets her own spot and no one goes near her,or they will be pecked!everyone else just digs in where ever they find space

 

[teach1rusl]

My original five girls got along so well that it took me FOREVER to figure out pecking order. Mine was really odd too, because nobody was at the very bottom; sounds strange, but each of my lower three girls was above a different chicken (A above B - B above C - but C above A)

So pecking order definitely comes in different shapes/sizes...lol. Just be happy for the harmony

 

[PepsNick]

Yep, the "pecking" part can be a confusion- it should really just be order.