Pecking order

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

Can someone explain to me where the rooster fits in the hens' pecking order? Is he sort of outside it, just making sure everyone eats well and stays safe, or does he actually have a place within it?

Chickens are SO interesting!

-Meghan

 

[CarriBrown]

Well, this is what I've noticed with my flock: Kip (the roo) seems to be #1. The girls mind him and come running if he clucks at a piece of food (or a dead leaf, or a piece of dirt, or the dog leash, etc.

). However, throw me in the mix and everything gets screwed up. The higher up girls will totally IGNORE Kip if I'm around!

He will cluck and carry on, trying to get their attention, but they'd much rather hang around me. I guess they like tomatoes and rice much better than dead leaves!

EDITED to add: Kip will NOT take food from me unless it is something very special, like a meal worm. It must be a pride thing.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Quote:
Ok, that really made me laugh!