Hen being weird when others are sun/dustbathing

[UK noob]

Hi folks

After spending about two weeks lurking and reading, I thought it was about time I joined in

I have five lovely ladies- Gloria (ranger), Hilda (speckeldy), Vera (bovan nera), Mabel (light Sussex) and Elsie (bluebell). I understand that my breeds will be known as other names in the US. I have had them for about a week and a half, and they are all approx 20-21 weeks, except Gloria who we think is about 17-18 maybe. Not laying yet but not too far off from what I can make out.

Elsie likes sunbathing. Lots. The first time I saw her do it, I freaked and thought she was ill, but then realised what she was doing. What was really odd though is that Hilda will come over to her when she is laid down, and actually kick her. There doesn't seem to be any malice in it, and when I first saw it, I thought it was cute.

Today, they were all having their first (with me) dustbaths, and Hilda was kicking both Elsie and Gloria. They didn't seem to pay too much attention to it, so Hilda will kick a little bit harder, until they move. Any ideas please? I have googled it lots but not come up with anything. Hilda and Elsie are middle order ladies, and Gloria is bottom of the order. Elsie is the one who gets kicked the most.

Sorry for the essay! Thanks

 

[rebrascora]

It sounds like Hilda is slightly higher in the pecking order and is using this behaviour to assert her status..... basically making them move out of her way, just because she can. Chicken heirachy is pretty important and especially if they are young adults and have not been together long, they will still be jostling for position and reinforcing their status in subtle and sometimes not so subtle ways. Think school bully tactics. She is not particularly kicking them because she wants to hurt them or even dust bath/sun bathe there, but because, by getting them to move, she is making a point that they are subservient to her.

I appreciate that you think Hilda is middle of the pecking order, but it will be important to her to ensure that she stays above those below her and there is nothing like making them move when they are relaxing for reinforcing that point.

 

[UK noob]

Having seen a few things since I posted this yesterday, I think you're right, thank you