Found out that chickens actually pick favorites

[Lady Clucks-a-Lot]

I keep noticing how my lead hen, Yellowie always pecks my younger pullet, Dumpling, harshly whenever she tries to food from her, while on the other hand, she rarely does that to Sungold, who is also a pullet from last year.
So I realized something……that chickens actually picks favorites! You could tell with just a week of examination that Yellowie treats Sungold nicer than any other chickens.
Do your chickens do this too? This is the only time I’ve ever seen my chicken do so.
(Yellowie)

(Speckled Sussex is Jelly, grey-black one standing on the left is Dumpling, and the one in the center walking is Sungold)

To be honest though, Sungold really is very sweet and is reasonable for Yellowie to like her best!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chickens have friends, same as many social animals. Yes they can pick out a friend(s) from different age groups. Most of my birds have a preferred companion or two that they choose to spend time with, groom with, etc. more than the others.

 

[Wot The Flock]

The smaller the flock, the more noticeable it will be.
The solution is the chicken math one, get more chickens!

They really get on better in the bigger 'gang' (aka flock).

But don't feel pressured. If you want to add a few in another year or two, it should be fine. Just follow the integration advice.

 

[kurby22]

Yes! Chickens are so much like us! They have friends, they have elders they respect—I have one big English Orpington I call Big Momma and she gets after the young pullets and cockerels when they fight and no one picks on her. My bantam Cochins are like a little mean girl clique, and my Ameraucanas like everyone but my two youngest pullets who out weigh them It’s super fun watching their social dynamics!

 

[Lady Clucks-a-Lot]

we can’t have a flock over five because of city rules, so we can only add more when one dies.
Can anyone help me figure out what cross Dumpling is? I know that she’s half leghorn but I’m not sure about the other half.

 

[Lady Clucks-a-Lot]

Photo of her abt 4 months ago. Her wattle’s like 4 times larger now.