The Pecking Order

[SassyChickenLtl]

H there. I am the proud mom of 6 one year old hens who live a life of luxury and plenty. We wanted more eggs, so last spring, we got three more baby pullets. At least we thought they were pullets! One sure is looking and acting like a roo. The newbies are almost as big as the older girls, and so a week and a half ago, I decided it was time to mix them into one coop. I provided food and water out in the run for the little ones, and the chicken house still had the larger supply of food and water for the Old Guard. I was advised to be patient, give them all time to reestablish the pecking order, etc etc, but after a week, there was no progress whatsoever. The new girls still weren't allowed inside the coop to sleep, and they weren't allowed to eat until the big girls went to bed. So, we partitioned off part of the run for the new girls, with their own food and water. Now they are all just hanging out in their own little compartments in the run, and I am wondering what do we do to get the girls to play nicely? The one who might be a roo is very aggressive, and when all nine chickens were combined, he/she chased everyone, including the other little ones. Whew! Any advice? Thank you so much.

 

[ibreathe4u]

We did the same thing. It took about three weeks before they weren't attacked any time they dared peek out from hiding. It's been about 8 weeks now and for the most part they get along except for LaLa my Speckled Sussex. She still chases them every chance she gets. Of course I think LaLa is the devil. She used to be an angel, but since the pullets arrived, she's possessed!

 

[SassyChickenLtl]

I keep hearing about the pecking order, but sometimes it seems like sibling rivalry! We will keep the fence up then, dividing the two groups of girls. Hoping they can be cordial at least before the new girls start to lay! I am a little nervous about that. I am estimating the early part of August. And I am also hoping all three of the new ones are truly going to be hens... LaLa sounds like she has extra personality, that's for sure.

 

[ibreathe4u]

I've heard that once they start laying they tend to get along better. My Marans has started laying, but my Ameraucana hasn't.

LaLa is 100% personality and always has been. I'm a little surprised she's not #1 in the pecking order, but she's #3. I think she's being mean (she's not hurting them, she just runs them around a bit) because she's trying to maintain her position. The three original girls have always just accepted their positions. There's been no real violence, just a peck on the head to remind each other who's boss.

 

[SassyChickenLtl]

Ouch! LaLa does seem like the alpha girl, huh. Surprising that she is #3 and not the chief chickie. I hope the aggressive baby we have really stays a pullet. I think I can work with her a little to help her settle down. It seems to be important for us chickeners to learn to speak chicken, and to learn that just running them around isn't really being mean, but simply asserting their dominance. Who knew that chickens would be so complex!

We are north and west of Salt Lake City, and it has been SO hot. I wonder if the heat makes them cranky like it tends to do me?

My next chicken project is to wash the vent areas on the two buff orps. They are so dang fluffy that they get poopy tails. I think I will have my husband help me with that! The three newbies are Rhodies, and we also have two red sex links. Such little love birds, mostly, anyhow.

 

[ibreathe4u]

I'm in Portland and it's really unseasonably hot. I'm pretty sure it affects their moods.

I had to wash my buff recently for her poopy butt. She actually enjoyed it. I've been thinking I'd give the 3 big girls a bath just to cool them off a bit. It's odd that they enjoy it so much.

Have a great day!

 

[Sandyd]

Put a small wading pool with just a few inches of water in for them. They get in the pool when it is hot.

 

[ibreathe4u]

Put a small wading pool with just a few inches of water in for them. They get in the pool when it is hot.

That will be almost too cute for words

 

[SassyChickenLtl]

SandyD that is what we will do. What a great idea! That is how we bathe the dog, so why not the chickens? We will have the camera out for sure. Thank you for your great idea. Never would have come up with that one!