How long does it take to get the pecking order sorted out?

[Padorna23]

I decided today is the day for my to take down the barriers in the look not touch areas of the coop/run after about two weeks. The little ones are 7 ish weeks old (3 pullets one cockerel). So far there has been pecking and chasing which is expected. How long before they really start to work it out and get along. They have free ranged together for about a week as well to try and help the integration process. It seems to be only one of the hens going after them, I’m assuming she is the hen at the top of the pecking order. How much is too much? I just don’t want to interfere and need to have them start over again. Thanks!

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

Really, it takes months for it to be sorted. Once hormones are done raging and they are finally grown. But it won't be as severe as chicks, mostly running up to one another and having a starting contest with the occasional peck.

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

And I wouldn't interfere unless there is blood. Like lots of it. Not just a tiny scab on the comb

 

[3KillerBs]

Days, weeks, or months. Then it remains fluid over years as birds mature and age and flock members change.

 

[aart]

It seems to be only one of the hens going after them, I’m assuming she is the hen at the top of the pecking order.

Actually, it's usually the lowest in the pecking order that is the most aggressive to newcomers.

 

[Padorna23]

Actually, it's usually the lowest in the pecking order that is the most aggressive to newcomers.

That would actually make more sense… the one I assumed to be at the top is basically just hanging out while everything is going on.

 

[Sally PB]

Actually, it's usually the lowest in the pecking order that is the most aggressive to newcomers.

Because she finally has someone lower than herself to boss around. That was the case with my lowest hen. I would never have thought she'd be "the mean girl," but she was.

 

[Pghelp]

The pecking order isn’t necessarily linear either. There are groups that eat and hang out together with no drama and then there are hens that just have to chase and peck somebody! I’m fascinated by the groupings and how they shift and change.

 

[3KillerBs]

The pecking order isn’t necessarily linear either. There are groups that eat and hang out together with no drama and then there are hens that just have to chase and peck somebody! I’m fascinated by the groupings and how they shift and change.

Indeed.

I have an independent-minded girl who *looks* like she might be a low-ranked outsider. Except that if you pay attention you'll see that NO ONE messes with Chipotle.

But she has no interest in running the flock.

 

[Pghelp]

Indeed.

I have an independent-minded girl who *looks* like she might be a low-ranked outsider. Except that if you pay attention you'll see that NO ONE messes with Chipotle.

But she has no interest in running the flock.

Sounds like my Silver Lakenvelder! She’s tiny but she doesn’t recognize any authority! I’m kind of glad she likes me and views me as her personal cuddle lap. At least I know where I stand.