Pecking order

[newchickgal]

At what age do the chicks begin to develop signs of the pecking order? Mine are 2 weeks and 3 days old and I haven't seen signs yet, or maybe I'm just not observing them long enough to see it.

 

[SunnyCalifornia]

Its usually pretty subtle when they've been raised together from tiny babies, but its there. You may never see it unless something happens to one of them, or if you add newbies to the flock.

Enjoy your sweet babies!!

 

[gritsar]

The pecking order starts from day one in the brooder, although it's often so subtle as to be missed by us humans.
Chickens have a pecking order, of which the roosters are (almost always) at the top. In addition, the roosters have a seperate pecking order all to themselves.

 

[newchickgal]

Oh, subtle, I guess that's why I haven't been able to pick up on it!

That makes sense.

 

[ginormous chicken]

X2 Gritsar.

In the brooder, pecking order is established not necessarily by pecking. I saw it by who got to eat first, or who got the best spot with the heat light, and which one everyone hides behind, and who is well... just left there standing.