Pecking order....

[DarleneE]

Can anyone explain pecking order to me? I have two hens that are 12 weeks old now. Daisy is a Barred Rock and Olivia is an Easter Egger. I cannot seem to tell which one is the dominant one?? They seem to take turns trying to bump and chase one another or stand up really tall and dance around each other.. are they too young to establish a pecking order yet maybe? As far as traits go in my two birds.. which one would most likely be the first in pecking order? I'm thinking my Barred Rock from things I've read.. but I've also read that it can go either way?? Thanks for any info you can give me!!

 

[scratch'n'peck]

They sound like they are still figuring out who will be boss. They are near the same status probably and that is why they are play fighting to see who will back down. My chickens did that around that age. You are right that Barred Rocks tend to be near the top of the pecking order, but I don't think EE's are known for being picked on, so maybe they are a pretty even match right now.

 

[DarleneE]

Thank you that makes sense and is exactly what I was thinking.