How often does pecking order change?

[mudman]

Our 6 Bantam birds are coming up on 5 months of age and just moved in with us about a week and a half ago. We have two roosters (OE and a black Bearded Silkie) and four hens (two Dorkings, a black Bearded Silkie and an OE). They all sleep huddled together and forage together all day just fine, but I see them challenging each other occasionally. Once established does the pecking order change? How often? What about when we introduce 15 full size pullets? They are great chickens so far and nobody has been injured, I'm hoping it stays that way.

 

[Gindee77]

I have 11 chickens and I still see the same chickens being the underlings as I did when they were little bitty chicks...and the same ones are dominant. I would imagine the only time it changes is if one of the more dominant ones dies or isn't there anymore. Then there's probably a hassle for top hen!

 

[mudman]

Do they challenge or assert themselves regularly?