Just curious- lowest chicken in pecking order

[Kaesi2020]

I notice my 11 week old pullets are re establishing the pecking order, with the top girl remaining on top (she seems to stay the alpha no matter what). The two lowest hens tried for a while to assert themselves but now they back down from the others. I notice all of a sudden now that they both go into the coop to roost for the night early before any of the others. Has anyone else noticed this with their lower pecking order chickens? I was wondering if it was another attempt to establish their preferred spot on the roost. Sadly, they are usually booted from their preference by the other girls. Just curious what others have noticed with their flock. Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Here my lower birds often stick in the shed or stay close to it. They aren't as adventurous as more dominant birds.

The pecking order becomes more important as chicks start to reach sexual maturity.

 

[SueT]

My lowest birds often are afraid to go in the coop, and wait until the others are all settled. They try to stay under the radar.

 

[Kaesi2020]

My lowest birds often are afraid to go in the coop, and wait until the others are all settled. They try to stay under the radar.

I wonder if I will see that with mine at some point. For now the differences are subtle but becoming more noticeable each day.

 

[Kaesi2020]

My lowest birds often are afraid to go in the coop, and wait until the others are all settled. They try to stay under the radar.

Thanks for sharing. The whole pecking order thing is so fascinating to me with the chickens. I'm also noticing that the alpha and other top chickens get to dust bath first and my two at the bottom have to wait till they are done or do not get to bath. Tomorrow I am going to set up a few more rubber containers full of smooth dirt for them so no one has to wait or miss out.

 

[Kaesi2020]

Here my lower birds often stick in the shed or stay close to it. They aren't as adventurous as more dominant birds.

The pecking order becomes more important as chicks start to reach sexual maturity.

What kinds of behaviors do you notice in the pecking order when they reach sexual maturity? Same as earlier aged behaviors but more intense? Thanks. Mine have another couple of months I think before they start laying.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What kinds of behaviors do you notice in the pecking order when they reach sexual maturity? Same as earlier aged behaviors but more intense? Thanks. Mine have another couple of months I think before they start laying.

They start showing off their position in the group through pecking and bossing more. It becomes more important for top members to get the food first, and any attention.

Sometimes as the approach the point of lay they can become a bit aggressive. They are hormonal teenagers, and all that comes with that.

 

[PsychoChickenLady]

I notice my 11 week old pullets are re establishing the pecking order, with the top girl remaining on top (she seems to stay the alpha no matter what). The two lowest hens tried for a while to assert themselves but now they back down from the others. I notice all of a sudden now that they both go into the coop to roost for the night early before any of the others. Has anyone else noticed this with their lower pecking order chickens? I was wondering if it was another attempt to establish their preferred spot on the roost. Sadly, they are usually booted from their preference by the other girls. Just curious what others have noticed with their flock. Thanks!

I actually caught this exact behaviour 2-3 nights ago. I swear the lowest 2 girls of my 10, literally snuck into the coop. And it was not a pleasant scene when the others showed up. (Comical for me, not pleasant for those two)!

 

[Kaesi2020]

I actually caught this exact behaviour 2-3 nights ago. I swear the lowest 2 girls of my 10, literally snuck into the coop. And it was not a pleasant scene when the others showed up. (Comical for me, not pleasant for those two)!

Yes! Same thing here. My little RSL sneaks in and up on the coop only for my big BO's to hop up later and push them down!