How old are pullets before they establish a clear pecking order?

[ChaosMom]

Hi, everyone! A little flocklet of three 15-week-old pullets here: 1 barred rock, 1 buff Orp, 1 Easter egger.

We've had them about 8 weeks now, and they still haven't established a clear pecking order. It's been fascinating to watch them go back and forth between who bosses whom. They do have some roles established. The Easter egger is the flock guardian when they're outside, always watching the skies and quietly growling when she thinks there's something dangerous around, and the other two immediately freeze, sometimes in comic poses. She is otherwise pretty flighty and reactive. The barred rock leads any charge for food suddenly making an appearance. The Orp just sort of genially orps around, scratching alongside either of the others and following the crowd, although she and the EE are besties.

I'm not in any burning hurry for one to emerge as boss, but I'm a little surprised that it's taking this long. Might it be the first one to start laying to ascend (and keep) the throne? They are hatchmates and raised together, even though they were late to us.

 

[Mrs. K]

In a well balanced flock, it can be difficult to identify the pecking order, that is what you have, and really that is what you want. Space has the most influence on how chickens get along, being raised together has almost none.

That being said - pecking orders are fluid, change over time and seasons. Laying hens are above non laying hens, sick or old hens are below healthy active hens.

I think things are going well for you.

Mrs K

 

[Yardmom]

Pecking order is not always 1 in charge and others. Your pullets simply have found their roles in the flock.

My roosters are quite the opposite and have clearly shown the pecking order, but doesn't go A in charge of B, C, and D. My roosters A was flock master last year. Rooster B was under him and still is. Rooster C was a chick in the flock last year. Rooster C clearly has become dominant over rooster A...but Rooster C runs away from rooster B. Rooster D gets to do whatever he wants because he is at the bottom of the rooster order and the others don't see him as a threat.