How long does the pecking order take?

[AnimalsComeFirst]

We got a new hen 2 weeks ago, and they are still pecking eachothers combs and chasing eachother around the yard... so what is the max of how long it takes a chicken to get the pecking order settled? Is there a possiblilty they will never get along?

 

[Johnn]

thats not even bad compared to me ive had this chicken since june and she is still getting bullied by the rooster

 

[AnimalsComeFirst]

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We don't have a rooster, just 2 disabled hens and the new hen. One has a broken foot, who is dominant over the new hen, and the other is semi-blind and is being pecked on by the new hen.

 

[dainerra]

how many hens do you have in total? It's recommended to never add a single bird as they will have all the focus on them, as an intruder.
That said, it can take months for it to settle down completely. And then it can start up again as some birds get older or younger birds start to feel they should be higher in the order. Honestly, I have 6 young birds, raised their whole lives together and they are in a constant spat for order right now. Of course, they are teenagers so it will be a while before they calm down.

 

[Johnn]

is the problem just between them 3?

 

[dainerra]

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ok, the new hen might never accept the blind hen. Any weakness is a big no-no in the animal world. It is natural instinct to drive away or kill a weaker animal that could attract predators to the flock.

 

[dirtsaver]

Pecking order is an ongoing thing within any flock. There is no "finished" in pecking order. Now that's out of the way,most flocks settle in after a few weeks, but there are always changes going on as hens try to move up in order,others get sick or weak....you get the idea.

 

[AnimalsComeFirst]

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3 in total. The new hen was being bullied at her last home, and now she is the bullier at our home!
We'll just see how it goes I guess.

 

[Johnn]

meby try re introducing her to the other two?

 

[AnimalsComeFirst]

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? How would I do that?