How long does the pecking order take???

[Bullardmama3]

I am a new chicken owner! Got my first girls back in November 1 lavender Orpington and 1 Golden laced Wyandotte. Had them since 3 days old. About 4-5 weeks later, I got 3 more. A lavender Orpington and 2 splash Wyandottes. I introduced them once they were all about the same size. They have been together now for about 2 months!!! But they still are trying to establish a pecking order??!! The younger LO is MEAN!! She beats up on everyone else besides the Leader. What should I do? Should they still be trying to establish the pecking order? Any help is appreciated

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

LAVENDER ORPINGTONS!!! I am hoping to go to a show this spring and get some!!!

 

[Differentiation]

I am a new chicken owner! Got my first girls back in November 1 lavender Orpington and 1 Golden laced Wyandotte. Had them since 3 days old. About 4-5 weeks later, I got 3 more. A lavender Orpington and 2 splash Wyandottes. I introduced them once they were all about the same size. They have been together now for about 2 months!!! But they still are trying to establish a pecking order??!! The younger LO is MEAN!! She beats up on everyone else besides the Leader. What should I do? Should they still be trying to establish the pecking order? Any help is appreciated

I experienced the same thing with my chickens. When I introduced my Pekin Bantam she managed to rank in the middle of the hierarchy. She never messes with the higher ranking chicken but does bully the lower ones. Its been three months and she will still peck them. Honestly shes just a bully. Dont worry they've established the pecking order but as long as theres no serious injuries, a little bullying does carry on. I hope that helped

 

[Birdinhand]

the pecking order begins right away and they seem to never stop vying for spots. if one is way out of line and causing damage, then she goes bye bye. sometimes placing her in a new flock with a different dynamic is all that is needed, maybe trade her out with someone. if all else fails, she goes to the crock pot.

 

[Roosters110]

Depends,once it set it is set,unless one becomes weaker and the others decide to try to take its spot,or they start becoming elderly and younger ones realize this is their moment to strike,or if one becomes fairly larger.Things happen all the time that can shake the pecking order up,such as adding another hen or rooster.Seeing as some grew up together they probably have a set pecking order,but I have had young birds play fight(a way of figuring things out),up until atlast 5 months and even then they’d square up sometimes.But nothing is ever set in stone with the pecking order someone can switch up just like the flick of a switch and decide they can get higher on totem pole.

 

[theoldchick]

Makes sure they have enough room and are on a good diet. Flock dynamics change on a daily basis as everything starts over in the morning. Super mean chickens need to be removed from the flock on a permanent basis. Add roosts at different heights and different areas within the coop and pen. Adding toys may help keep them busy.

Here's some information on toys and remember you can make your own.

https://rurallivingtoday.com/backya...ken-toys-entertaining-your-backyard-chickens/

Good luck!

 

[SW31]

We’re in the same position, introducing two injured hens back into the run with the existing two hens. One seems to think kick boxing is a good way to start the pecking order. We currently have two separate small hen houses, each with their own small run. We let one lot out into the main run in the morning, bribe them back into their own run after a few hours and then let the other two out. We are also swapping them between the two different hen houses so they can smell each other. There is some visibility between the two runs so they can see each other. It’s a nightmare!

 

[Lunafarmchickens]

I've had all of my current hens together for a year, and some of them are still super mean. I had one that almost killed my silkie! Its just chicken manner, the more dominant hens want to remind the less dominant whos in charge. Over, and Over again. Good luck with your hens!

 

[SueT]

How long does the pecking order take? Pecking order is always there, it's the chickens' form of government. If you have a bully, that's different, you've been given good advice in the previous replies about how to deal with that.
Good luck!

 

[Larry Rose]

I am a new chicken owner! Got my first girls back in November 1 lavender Orpington and 1 Golden laced Wyandotte. Had them since 3 days old. About 4-5 weeks later, I got 3 more. A lavender Orpington and 2 splash Wyandottes. I introduced them once they were all about the same size. They have been together now for about 2 months!!! But they still are trying to establish a pecking order??!! The younger LO is MEAN!! She beats up on everyone else besides the Leader. What should I do? Should they still be trying to establish the pecking order? Any help is appreciated

Mine are still "Establishing" and probably always will. Seems like only a couple of them like each other. When I put them up for the night is when this happens. When I see it happen, I yell at them and they stop! Maybe my big voice scares them. It's quite normal for this behavior. This is why the term "Pecking Order'' came to be. Hopefully they will all get along soon, without injury. And of course they all want the top perch!
You can always have the Bully for Sunday Dinner!