will my hens loose there place in the pecking order?

[Johnn]

3 of my hens are going for a trip to the vets soon, they will be gone for 1 to 2 hours, will it do anything to the pecking order? or will they all remember who they are and were they are in the pecking order?

 

[scratch'n'peck]

For hens, a couple of hours away will probably not affect the pecking order. If they are acting weak because of illness that could have just as much or more of an effect on pecking order. Each flock is different, but I have removed a hen for a couple of days due to a leg injury and she was not harassed when reintroduced. The fact that you are removing 3 at the same time may also reduce the stress of reintroduction for them. They will definitely remember each other - chickens are good at recognizing and remembering individuals.

 

[Johnn]

oh good!, they arent weak trhey have scared lungs so they are going for a injection

 

[Johnn]

so will it not affect the pecking order if they are only going for that long?

 

[Den in Penn]

A separation of less than a day will have no effect on the pecking order.