is there a way to tell who is lead of the flock?

[Mutchi]

is there a way to tell witch chicken is highest in you flock??? im going to try a experiment, with the highest in my flock. im thinking of geting my highest hen to like me, but then i whant to see if the rest of the flock will like me since the leader likes me. do you think it would work??

 

[Mutchi]

and iff its not posible, the pls explain why its not. i hate when people say just a boring "no"

 

[JacinLarkwell]

It's usually the nicest looking hen since no-one is going to pick on them. Also watching them can tell you since they'll be getting after other birds

 

[MickWithChicks]

Just sit and watch your flock for a few hours. It's generally the one who pecks most of her flockmates and never gets pecked herself.

Lower pecking order flockmates typically only peck the lowest order flockmates and they do it far more often than those who are higher up. They'll be easier to identify than those higher up.

Strange experiment. If you're spending all that time with the top of the flock, you're probably going to be spending just as much time with the rest of them. How are you planning on controlling that? Treat the top like a puppy who is around you all the time and away from her flock? Do you think that that would mean that she'd lose her position in the pecking order? The rest of the flock will have no reason to trust you if that's the case as you'll not be spending time with them.

If you want your flock to like you, just pull up a chair and sit in their run with them every day for a couple of weeks.

 

[Mutchi]

what if they are messed up cus of my roo mating with her? i know that our roo is NOT top of the pecking order thats a for sure! hes a small bantam that afraid of averything and everything!

It's usually the nicest looking hen since no-one is going to pick on them. Also watching them can tell you since they'll be getting after other birds

 

[Mutchi]

Just sit and watch your flock for a few hours. It's generally the one who pecks most of her flockmates and never gets pecked herself.

Lower pecking order flockmates typically only peck the lowest order flockmates and they do it far more often than those who are higher up. They'll be easier to identify than those higher up.

Strange experiment. If you're spending all that time with the top of the flock, you're probably going to be spending just as much time with the rest of them. How are you planning on controlling that? Treat the top like a puppy who is around you all the time and away from her flock? Do you think that that would mean that she'd lose her position in the pecking order? The rest of the flock will have no reason to trust you if that's the case as you'll not be spending time with them.

If you want your flock to like you, just pull up a chair and sit in their run with them every day for a couple of weeks.

ok, that makes sense!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

what if they are messed up cus of my roo mating with her? i know that our roo is NOT top of the pecking order thats a for sure! hes a small bantam that afraid of averything and everything!

If your lead hen is over bred, they're all over bred

 

[Mrs. K]

Stand away from your flock, and toss down a treat - the first birds there, are the higher ranking birds, the last birds there, and the lowest ranking birds.

I agree with the above poster, if you want them to like you. Sit in a chair quietly for 20 minutes. After 10 -15, throw out a handful of scratch, and sit quietly. Do not attempt to reach, or catch or hold any of them. Throw the scratch quite a ways away from you.

Day two. Sit in the run quietly again, wait, till everyone is calm and ignoring you. Throw the scratch again, just a little bit closer to you.

Day three, sit and wait, then toss the scratch at your feet. Sit quietly.

Day 4 -5 repeat, usually by this time they are close to you the moment you sit down, DO NOT GRAB ONE. But try feeding out of your hand. Just hold it low towards them, not moving much and wait. Might work the first time, might take some time.

Eventually they will approach you, and jump into your lap.

I did this, and then found out, I really didn't like them in my lap with their sharp claws. I much rather just watch them. But do try it. Do be aware, that your shiny eyes, or earrings can be quite attractive to get a peck.

Mrs K

 

[Mvan42]

If your lead hen is over bred, they're all over bred

Not true. A roo can have a favorite and over breed his favorite and not the others...


If you want the flock to like you. It's easier to start when they are young spend time with them let them eat a treat from your hand. Mine know when I am outside that they often get a treat. They come running and follow me around like little puppies.. lol.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

The lead hen usually doesn't let the rooster get that far. It's the lower ranked ones who are more at risk of being overbred