What is appropriate pecking order behaviour???

[cjeanean]

So I put six of my month olds out with my 2.5 month olds, and so far everything looks good. The rooster and some of the hens give the chicks a peck now and then, especially when I put some scratch out there, but they aren't going after the babies to kill them or hurt them from what I can tell. Any advice on what to look for???

 

[silkhope]

That sounds normal, pecking from the older ones when the newbies are competition for food and treats. Just make sure the month olds aren't being bullied away from food or water.

 

[cjeanean]

I've noticed a few of them chasing the smaller ones around, but they sure as heck aren't ganging up on them or anything. The little ones are in one corner just hanging out, and the older ones are either inside the coop or eating and drinking the food/water I put out in the run for the little ones. The little ones have been eating and drinking, too......from what I can tell. I watched them eating and drinking at least once, kinda forgot to pay attention for a while (I'm such a bad mama )

 

[PAChickenChick]

I have a question similar to this....
First let me tell you that I'm interested in getting eggs. I have young (9 & 11) children and with help from this forum have decided that I will get Barred Plymouth Rock or Rhode Island Red hens.

I've read that hens can be expected to start laying eggs around 5 months old and can be expected to do that for about 5 - 7 years.

This is my question then....
I will only be getting four hens and no roosters...
Should I get 2 hens that are already laying and also 2 chicks....there by putting me in a rotation every few years or so of introducing 2 new hens and hoping all goes well.....or should I just start out with 4 chicks and try to be patient waiting for eggs to start...which would mean I would start fresh with new chicks every 5 years or so?

I know that it might sound silly...but if I start with chicks now then by the time they are laying age it will be starting winter here. I had a rough time getting DH to agree to getting chickens so I'm hoping that the gift of eggs will soften him to the big picture....lol

I hope this made sense...hahaha. Thanks for your opinions!

 

[ncgnance]

I would say...get 4 hens that are laying, then, when one goes broody, probably next year, but maybe this year, get a few fertile eggs to put under her....chickens are like potato chips, you can't have just a handful..