Pecking Order

[HenHouse Henry]

I have four hens a little over a year old. They have formed a pecking order. My California Gray is the smallest of the four and at the top of the pecking order, next would be the Australorpe, and then the two Blue Copper Marans. I added three new chicks (Calico Princess, Cream Legbar, and a Welsummer) this spring, they are 12 weeks old and have been with the big girls for a couple of weeks now. They have a few small openings they can get through to escape. I have noticed the two top girls are less aggressive towards the newbies than the two Blue Copper Marans. All in all, they are integrating pretty well. I have two Lavender Orpingtons that are 6 weeks old and will start all over in a few weeks to add them to the mix.

 

[Callender Girl]

Congratulations on getting everybody acquainted and integrated. Best wishes for adding the newbies soon!

 

[Lor]

I've read a bit here that those lesser in the pecking order do more of the chasing/pecking of the newbies. Believed to be because they finally have someone lower than them to pick on.
I hope the next integration also goes smoothly.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

It's essentially like the kid who was bullied in high school grows up, gets put into a position of power and goes on a power trip trying to assert dominance.

 

[BlueBaby]

I agree with what @Lor mentioned. The lower hen's in the pecking order want to make sure that the newbies do not try to take their spot in the pecking order.

 

[Mrs. K]

Also, by adding chicks again, I think it will tend to go better. I think the worst flocks for integrating have never had new chickens added in their lives. Where as people who keep flocks, with chickens frequently adding chicks, or people adding chicks, and removal of birds tend to take to new birds a little more easily.

I think the people managing those flocks, have a system figured out that works for their birds and their set up.

Mrs K