Topic of the Week - Chicken behaviour and flock dynamics - Part 1 - The pecking order

[ChickyWhicky]

I have a big flock and seeing the pecking order play out is always interesting. I have about 6 hens from my first batch of chickens still with me and they seem to rule the roost. The rooster does a good job of breaking up fights here and there. Have never had a bloody fight, or a bully hen (thank you to whatever guardian chicken angel is looking over my flock). We hatch babies a couple times a year and I always have to remind myself (well, mostly my hubby because he has such a soft heart and can't stand to see the babies getting chased off or kicked off a roost) that it's normal for the big girls to pick on them a bit.
I think my favorite part is watching the big girls pick on a young rooster. I always get a kick out of that! You go girls, get him while you can!

 

[SwampPrincessChick]

As a mere human, I have no way to mind-control my flock and tell them that possessing a pecking order is only a rude way to establish who is higher than the other. So, there is nothing I can do about the pecking order other than group chickens into separate pens and areas of the yard, and bring them inside if anyone falls ill or gets injured. I believe the pecking order is an interesting part of chicken-keeping to study; sitting down and watching my flock sort itself out is somehow entertaining, as long as nobody gets harmed. It is natural for chickens to have a social hierarchy, and I cannot tell them otherwise.

Contrary to all of what I said above, I did have one incident where the pecking order did get in the way. One of my Easter Egger pullets, Lavender, was one of the sweetest in the flock. But, you could take one look at her and know she was the lowest on the pecking order. Lavender drooped her tail, held her head down, walked very slowly, and was consistently getting pecked away from resources. She looked sad in general, and she slept on the ground every night. Lavender eventually fell ill and passed away. I am glad no other chicken has followed in her footsteps of being the over-bullied flock member.

I think my favorite part is watching the big girls pick on a young rooster. I always get a kick out of that! You go girls, get him while you can!

My four-year-old California Gray hen, Fantail, apparently hates roosters and cockerels. She kicks the males in the face randomly and will do everything she can to stop them from attempting to breed her!

 

[SwampPrincessChick]

I was about to reply to this thread but realized I had already replied to it. Phew, I do not need to type an essay again.

 

[Mrs. K]

The best flocks are ones that one cannot see the pecking order.

 

[Evadig]

The best flocks are ones that one cannot see the pecking order.

Mine must be one of the best then !

 

[Mrs. K]

Mine must be one of the best then !

Mine too, and that is the way I like it!

 

[akamom0714]

I was given a mature silky hen about a week ago. Most of my flock get along with her most of the time. My rooster really seems to like her. However, I have one pullet who should start laying soon that attacks her almost constantly. She is very aggressive and gets the other pullets to join in. I noticed they don't do it when the aggressive one is not there so I have started keeping her in the coop wail the others are in the run. I'm starting to wonder if they will ever get along.

 

[Carters Chick House]

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For chickens, the pecking order is an important part of the flock dynamics and a way for the flock to establish and maintain order and look after the stronger members, while pushing out the weaker ones. Human flock owners are often included in this order, especially when there are roosters in the flock and that can throw up some interesting challenges for especially new or inexperienced chicken owners.

This week I would like to hear your thoughts and experiences with handling this interesting part of chicken keeping.

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Pic by @venetianblinds​

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I have one rooster that my hens adore. He makes sure all are taken care of. I've seen him take food to the chicks. Pecking order is noticeable at dusk when they squabble over the best spot. There are two hens that are a bit bossy however there has never been bloodshed and so I let them work it out like chickens must do. 6 new chicks raised in the coop with mom hen and never an issue. Some of the flock even help with the chicks. I love this hobby.