Pecking order

[Lenis]

How do you tell the pecking order with your chickens? It's more of a curiosity thing I guess. I've got 12 girls and I've seen the occasional bicker but I can't really tell who's on top. The only difference with my girls is I have a couple who come running to me and love to be held. I've got a couple that put up a little fight when I try and pick them up but not a major one and then there's a couple that run for the fartherest corner as soon as I get near them and act like certain death is upon them if I try and pick them up. That's the only behavioral difference I see in them, aside from that they all seem to be friends. Anything I should look for to determine their order?

 

[Pork Pie]

Its not straightforward, in my experience. My alpha hen is smaller than most, and certainly not aggressive to others, even when around food. Its certainly not obvious that she is the alpha. If you happen to feed just a small amount of treats (mine like millet seed) - a quantity that is not sufficient for them all and see who ends up claiming the lion's share - that might give you an idea of who is the alpha.

CT

 

[chickens really]

Your top hens will for sure walk around unscathed.
Just a look or ruffle will send the lower ranking birds to move off.
Top hens get the best Dust bath areas, roost, feed, and any tasty treats.

 

[Lenis]

My three friendly girls definitely get the most treats. I just assumed it was because they were first in line because they aren't afraid of me at all, but maybe they're the top of the order and that's why the others let them up first. Who knows. I was just curious. And what's the best roosting spot to a chicken? The middle?

 

[chickens really]

My three friendly girls definitely get the most treats. I just assumed it was because they were first in line because they aren't afraid of me at all, but maybe they're the top of the order and that's why the others let them up first. Who knows. I was just curious. And what's the best roosting spot to a chicken? The middle?

Totally depends on the temperature outside...If cold? The middle. If hot the edge.
Silly Birds.