Pecking order / chicken picking

[nsingh4787]

Hello all!

I live in the city where we are allowed two backyard chickens. I had two since they were born, who loved each other dearly. One of them was killed and I set out to find a replacement companion as she was quite distraught. From here on out I’ll refer to my remaining bird as Sweetie.

We were able to find another chicken about the same age/size as Sweetie. The day we introduced them I noticed the following behaviors: our new bird will jump at Sweetie or peck at her (no feathers have been plucked out and no skin has been broken). Sweetie will go into the submissive crouch and stay there until the new bird moves away, or she will move away herself. Sweetie as also been cackling loudly, much more than normal, and I’m wondering if it is agitation or stress. Sweetie has always been the more sweet/submissive bird, so I know part of it is natural, but I haven’t seen this level of aggression before.

My question is, is the behavior of or new bird normal pecking order behavior or do I need to worry? Should I do anything about it or let nature run it’s course?

 

[DobieLover]

Hello all!

I live in the city where we are allowed two backyard chickens. I had two since they were born, who loved each other dearly. One of them was killed and I set out to find a replacement companion as she was quite distraught. From here on out I’ll refer to my remaining bird as Sweetie.

We were able to find another chicken about the same age/size as Sweetie. The day we introduced them I noticed the following behaviors: our new bird will jump at Sweetie or peck at her (no feathers have been plucked out and no skin has been broken). Sweetie will go into the submissive crouch and stay there until the new bird moves away, or she will move away herself. Sweetie as also been cackling loudly, much more than normal, and I’m wondering if it is agitation or stress. Sweetie has always been the more sweet/submissive bird, so I know part of it is natural, but I haven’t seen this level of aggression before.

My question is, is the behavior of or new bird normal pecking order behavior or do I need to worry? Should I do anything about it or let nature run it’s course?

How did you introduce them?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hello all!

I live in the city where we are allowed two backyard chickens. I had two since they were born, who loved each other dearly. One of them was killed and I set out to find a replacement companion as she was quite distraught. From here on out I’ll refer to my remaining bird as Sweetie.

We were able to find another chicken about the same age/size as Sweetie. The day we introduced them I noticed the following behaviors: our new bird will jump at Sweetie or peck at her (no feathers have been plucked out and no skin has been broken). Sweetie will go into the submissive crouch and stay there until the new bird moves away, or she will move away herself. Sweetie as also been cackling loudly, much more than normal, and I’m wondering if it is agitation or stress. Sweetie has always been the more sweet/submissive bird, so I know part of it is natural, but I haven’t seen this level of aggression before.

My question is, is the behavior of or new bird normal pecking order behavior or do I need to worry? Should I do anything about it or let nature run it’s course?

You mention no feathers have been broken and no skin has been broken.
Sounds normal to me - personally I would let them work it out.
Sweetie is submitting to the other bird right now from your description and the other bird is not necessarily forcing the issue - she's letting Sweetie walk away or she's walking away while Sweetie is submitted - no full on attack.

 

[nsingh4787]

Hey guys. Thank you for the replies, it seems that they have worked things out. They definitely are not besties like me old two were, but they seem to Ben finding their way. Also weirdly, Sweetie now seems to be the one calling the shots. Chickens are weird.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hey guys. Thank you for the replies, it seems that they have worked things out. They definitely are not besties like me old two were, but they seem to Ben finding their way. Also weirdly, Sweetie now seems to be the one calling the shots. Chickens are weird.

Glad it's working out for you!
It takes a little time for them to settle in. LOL Chickens are surprising, Sweetie must have decided she wanted to be boss this go round