Random newbie question.

[5ChicksInTheCity]

So I have 5 chicks 6 weeks old and yesterday was their first day out of the coop in the run(I previously let them run around in a play pen and put them back in the coop manually) and at exactly 7:35 pm they lined up and marched straight into the coop. I was so proud that they knew what to do.

So after watching this I was just wondering if pecking order has anything to do with the order that the chicks return to roost or is it just random?
Like does the boss go to bed first and everyone follows or is it just a matter of who is sleepy?

 

[sourland]

Generally I believe it is random, but some roosters will wait until the entire flock has cooped up.

 

[5ChicksInTheCity]

Generally I believe it is random, but some roosters will wait until the entire flock has cooped up.

Thanks. I'm hoping I have no roosters but still too early to tell.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It seems random as far as relation to pecking order but if you watch day to day, you'll probably notice they do tend to go in a set order. With my flock 3 of the younger hens go in first, then the older head hen, then the other 2 older hens, then the last of the younger hens (she struggles to get on the roost so always waits).

 

[aart]

I'm hoping I have no roosters but still too early to tell.

6 weeks is the perfect time for most breeds.
Size and color of combs and wattles will tell the tale on the males.
Post some pics of them showing their heads.

The order of roosting can vary, day to day and as they grow.
It's interesting to watch.