How do I figure out the pecking order?

[6of6chicks]

Deleted 7/24/2014.

 

[ChickenLover172]

You should start noticing a pecking order starting when the chickens are very young. One chicken might peck another one for no reason at all but will not peck another. Chickens are social birds and know their place in the flock. My 4 month old chickens have not established a pecking order because they have been through a traumatic experience, but the bigger chickens often peck at the little ones. The funny thing is my little bantam is at the top of the pecking order.

 

[RonP]

Watch them for an extended period of time.

You'll see the bosses.

 

[6of6chicks]

Deleted 7/24/2014.

 

[ChickenLover172]

It's good that your chickens are getting along. My chickens peck each other every night. A problem usually occurs when the chickens are not hatchlings, they fight a lot over food, spaces on the roost, and sometimes, over absolutely nothing.

 

[RonP]

Ok, add a new member or two.

Let us know the results...

 

[6of6chicks]

Deleted 7/24/2014.

 

[mortie]

My birds are the same way. There are 6 of them and I can't make heads or tails of the pecking order no matter how much I watch them.

 

[birdlady79]

Ok, add a new member or two.

Let us know the results...

X2.... That's when I really noticed who was the boss!! Lol

 

[birdlady79]

This question is just to help me understand my flock a little better (I'm new at this) - How do I figure out the pecking order? I have six 10-week old buff orpingtons, and I can tell some differences in personality in my birds - but I can't figure out the pecking order. I don't know who's at the top and who's at the bottom.

There aren't any problems in the flock - which is good! - but other than size there aren't many differences either. One is a tiny bit more standoffish with me, and a couple are a little quicker to come running when I have treats - but that's about it. I haven't seen any of the pecking order behaviors that I've read about - no staring contests, no pecking on the head or making someone move from the feeder. There are no squabbles or fighting when I put a treat tray in there. Every night they line up differently on the roosting bar. It never seems to be the same one who goes to bed first, and it's a different girl out the door first every morning. There just doesn't seem to be a 'leader' or a 'wimp' in the bunch.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining! And I'm sure there IS a pecking order. I just don't know how to read it. Can anyone help me figure it out?

Your lucky no squabbles. Lol. Mine are always at feeding and roosting time.....