What happens when the top (leader) hen in the coop dies?

[lillypurrs23]

Does it upset everyone? Does the second one automatically take her place, or...?

 

[sourland]

There may or may not be skirmishes to determine who is the new boss. Sometimes the second 'in command' is a buddy of the dominant hen - in this situation she may face serious challenges.

 

[Rebbi1982]

Well i have a serious problem. My leader hen was killed by a hawk and her bubby(who would be next in line) is an in bread white chicken with cross beak. She doesn't even seem to notice she is not there like the other two chickens. The other two wont come out of their pen much and neither of them want the position. Its been 2 weeks. What do I do. Leaning towards getting a bigger chicken breed to fill the position that none of my chickens seem to want. Any info would help.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Well i have a serious problem. My leader hen was killed by a hawk and her bubby(who would be next in line) is an in bread white chicken with cross beak. She doesn't even seem to notice she is not there like the other two chickens. The other two wont come out of their pen much and neither of them want the position. It’s been 2 weeks. What do I do. Leaning towards getting a bigger chicken breed to fill the position that none of my chickens seem to want. Any info would help.

Let them sort it out it takes time for everyone to settle down after an attack. The other two are most likely staying in because they are afraid of another attack. It can take a month at least for them to settle down. Besides if everyone gets along and it seems pretty even keel that’s not a problem that’s a good thing.