Quick Question About Pecking Order

[PirateGirl]

@chikengirl555 I think we are somehow part of the pecking order, although we might fit in in a more complicated sort of way My chickens peck the dogs too, so maybe they are part of the pecking order. I'm curious to hear others weigh in on this.

I feel like this is seen and accepted with dogs and families and forming a "pack" and establishing who is alpha. For example I might rank higher than my dog but my dog might see herself as ranking higher than a child and higher than my cat. Hmm...

 

[ChickenGirl555]

@chikengirl555 I think we are somehow part of the pecking order, although we might fit in in a more complicated sort of way My chickens peck the dogs too, so maybe they are part of the pecking order. I'm curious to hear others weigh in on this.

I feel like this is seen and accepted with dogs and families and forming a "pack" and establishing who is alpha. For example I might rank higher than my dog but my dog might see herself as ranking higher than a child and higher than my cat. Hmm...

That's what I was wondering because my chickens peck me when I refill their food or water or let them into their run in the morning. They also do it to my dog when she is sniffing them or just happens to be close to them. (My dog is a Chiweenie so she is about their size)

 

[Chickassan]

Chiweenie,that's hilarious! And yeah, you probably are part of the pecking order, like it or not. Chickens are creatures of structure and habit if they see you every day you're part of that.

 

[Abriana]

If you allow them to, some chickens will try to dominate you. Especially roosters. Some breeds are more assertive than others, but no matter what breed you have, always make sure the hens and roosters know you are at the top. I don’t know if they include you in the pecking order since you aren’t a chicken and can do whatever you want, while chickens low in the pecking order are pecked by the top hens at the feeder, water, etc., but you aren’t. I guess this may always be an unanswered question!

 

[sourland]

@Abriana has provided spot on observations. Well done.

 

[Abriana]

@Abriana has provided spot on observations. Well done.

Thank you!

 

[igorsMistress]

The girls see me as the treat lady. The RIR girls like to have their wattles scratched, but otherwise no touching. The whole flock follows me around the yard checking out what I'm doing.
My roo thought I was competition though. He would get mad when the girls would hang out and punish them by pecking and always challenged me. So yes, I'm the top of the pecking order. When I get pecked, they get a peck back.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

The girls see me as the treat lady. The RIR girls like to have their wattles scratched, but otherwise no touching. The whole flock follows me around the yard checking out what I'm doing.
My roo thought I was competition though. He would get mad when the girls would hang out and punish them by pecking and always challenged me. So yes, I'm the top of the pecking order. When I get pecked, they get a peck back.

Yes, usually I will poke them if they peck me. Luckily I have no roosters so it's just me and my pullets (and two new chicks but they aren't even with the pullet yet) I think I am at the top of the pecking order and I'm trying to keep it that way, I'm not letting a bird be the boss of me!

 

[igorsMistress]

You know, with just the girls it's so easy. They just follow me around and I love it! That's really the only reason I'm the "boss"