I Cannot Figure Out the Pecking Order!

[smdcleland]

My chickies are 16 weeks. I still cannot figure out the pecking order! I have 7 RIRs.

I know Stella is likely at the bottom because Dorothy chases her around a lot. She the only one who seems to bully her though. No one else cares.

I'm guessing Sophia is at the top because she constantly has to be on top of objects, such as the waterer. I'm not sure if that's actually an accurate way to tell though.

Rose and Blanche seem shy.

Mel and Sue are the most sexually mature with the reddest wattles and combs.

Other than that, they all just go about their day.

Any way to tell?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Honestly if you can't tell, that's the best. Means no one is being too violent

 

[smdcleland]

I never really notice any arguing with them other than Dorothy chasing Stella around. They seem to all get along.

 

[PopoMyers]

Sounds normal. As long as they know, you're golden. Unless you end up with a bully. That's a different situation.

 

[smdcleland]

I'll watch Dorothy to make sure she doesn't become one!

 

[coach723]

As long as no one is getting hurt/bullied, and everyone has adequate access to food and water, I wouldn't worry about it. They will know and that's all that matters. Any kind of changes to the flock can reset the pecking order, happens all the time.

 

[Iluveggers]

Might see a shift as they start laying. My 24 all get along well (they are 23 weeks), and no one has laid yet either. There’s an occasional peck when someone gets too close to someone else, but no feather pulling or bickering so I’m happy. Much better than an obvious bully & victim! Hoping it stays that way once the eggs arrive!

 

[smdcleland]

Me too!!

 

[Acre4Me]

The ones that lay will be top pecking order usually. So, as they begin to lay, you will begin to see some shifting and behavior changes. Once all are laying, you will see who is higher by who demands that others step away from the feeder, while they eat, or who gets first dibs in treats, etc. due to pecking order it is best to always have 2 feed and water stations some distance apart so no one is deprived of food or water.

 

[smdcleland]

Thank you all for the replies!