pecking order ? (2)

[wistlindixie]

How long until pecking order is established and will there be one in a brood of 17 biddies approx 2-3 weeks old?

 

[gryeyes]

Pecking order is not stationary and solid, it is fluid and dynamic. Whatever pecking order has been established in the brooder will be upset when the chicks are moved out to their permanent lodgings.

Pecking order begins in the brooder and may or may not be established by the time the chicks are 2 or 3 weeks old.

Wouldn't it be nice if a number appeared above their heads all the time like that commercial for vitamins? (Or whatever it is...... I only recall seeing the people with the numbers over their heads, which changed as circumstances changes. Pecking order is like that, just not visible to US.)

 

[wistlindixie]

Quote:
very nice analogy

 

[Jferlisi]

Quote:
LOL so true. I believe its V8 juice.

 

[elmo]

The other interesting thing I'm realizing is that pecking order may not be strictly hierarchical. In our flock, Wrong Way Scooter always chases Hermione away from the ear of corn I toss into the run, but withdraws when Glinda approaches the corn. But Hermione can return and eat with Glinda with no problems.

Clutch mates are still allies after one year, but I'm noticing that my two year old hens (who were artificially brooded together, so I guess that's the same clutch) are each going their own way.