Rooster not at the top of pecking order?

[Thechickentrainer1999]

Is there any cases of full grown roosters and hens where the rooster is not at the top of the pecking order (in other words being pecked on by the hens)?

 

[Evelyn Walker]

Sometimes if you have a very docile rooster and aggressive hens, he won't defend himself against them (especially at night). Only had that happen in very few cases, though.

 

[Hencraze24]

I agree. if your roo is a bantam and the hens are standard size, he may not be the dominating bird.

 

[Hayduke27]

I have a couple of 6 year old hens in my flock, some of my original chickens. I have gotten a few new chickens every year, so the ages range from 1-6 years. Just recently my rooster died, and I got a new 1-year-old lavender Orpington from a local lady. She was getting rid of him because he was fighting with another rooster she had.

Anyway, long story short, I got the new rooster home and introduced him to the flock. As you would expect, they immediately started sorting out pecking order. He's a big boy, but pretty well tempered. Most of the young hens immediately gave way. However, my 6 year old Rhode Island Red was like "Screw THAT!" He ran up to her, raised his hackles, and she immediately handed out a serious butt-whooping to him. After pummeling his face into the dirt about 3 times he couldn't get away fast enough, and he no longer messes with her. He is still king of the flock, but only with HER permission

 

[Thechickentrainer1999]

I have a couple of 6 year old hens in my flock, some of my original chickens. I have gotten a few new chickens every year, so the ages range from 1-6 years. Just recently my rooster died, and I got a new 1-year-old lavender Orpington from a local lady. She was getting rid of him because he was fighting with another rooster she had.

Anyway, long story short, I got the new rooster home and introduced him to the flock. As you would expect, they immediately started sorting out pecking order. He's a big boy, but pretty well tempered. Most of the young hens immediately gave way. However, my 6 year old Rhode Island Red was like "Screw THAT!" He ran up to her, raised his hackles, and she immediately handed out a serious butt-whooping to him. After pummeling his face into the dirt about 3 times he couldn't get away fast enough, and he no longer messes with her. He is still king of the flock, but only with HER permission

So sorry to hear about your rooster that passed. Praying for you.

 

[aart]

Is there any cases of full grown roosters and hens where the rooster is not at the top of the pecking order (in other words being pecked on by the hens)?

Define 'full grown'(in weeks or months).
..and more info on the situation/behavior you are concerned about.

 

[Thechickentrainer1999]

Define 'full grown'(in weeks or months).
..and more info on the situation/behavior you are concerned about.

I'm talking 1 year and older. I'm not concerned, just a question to see if anyone has hens at the top of the pecking order?

 

[Shadrach]

Is there any cases of full grown roosters and hens where the rooster is not at the top of the pecking order (in other words being pecked on by the hens)?

Roosters are not in the pecking order. It's a hen thing.
One year old is still young and eventually any senior hens are likely to accept him as their rooster.

 

[Roo5]

I’ve had a bantam rooster not be in total control,only because I had two New Hampshire hens who were extremely aggressive.All birds are part of the pecking order and if you get too personal with some birds, you will be too.A bird about a year, is likely to still be very dominate a bird 4-7 months I’ve noticed are still pretty silent and usually still working up in the pecking order.

 

[sourland]

There have been instances of a newly introduced (especially younger) rooster being dominated by high ranking hens. Generally once the rooster adapts to the new flock his dominance will be asserted. Upon occasion such a rooster will actually kill the dominant hen in his climb to be flock leader. I seriously doubt that will happen with an Orpington.