enpekt Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 I've heard of pecking order, and while our six choox are friendly enough with each other, one or two are dominant. Or are they? We've noticed, however, an order when they go to roost for the night. Usually two in particular will be first. Then three others vie for position, one often going in then returning to the run as many as three times! Once they have settled, our only layer crows and winges a bit, then retires. Almost as though she's allowing them to go first. (And making sure she's filled her crop, maybe?) So is it the first in who rule the roost, or the last girl standing? Yes, I know I've got better things to think about. Or I did until we had chickens!... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Our Cocoa, who I think is the youngest, is always last to go to bed. She reminds me of the kids; wanting to stay up until the last possible minute. She even tried to come out of the house when I went to shut them in, but I think that was because I didn't let them out today. Too much rain and the grass (ha, whats left of it!!!) is a muddy quagmire. Roll on drier weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirstine Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 I've noticed a definite 'teenager' effect - very young birds will retire first, but then turn into dirty stop outs for up to a year before giving in gracefully and going to bed with everyone else! This is in conjunction with 2 other phenomena; that any new arrivals lowest in the pecking order will have to go to bed last as they will get chucked out of the house otherwise, and that, in general, if the same age and seniority, pure breeds will retire earlier than hybrids. We discovered this very early on, as when we got our first 4 birds the seller said 'I bet the Brahma goes to bed first, and the Lohmann Brown last' - and they did (the Orpington and Cochin in between). I have also found that, although you might expect the cockerel to be a gentleman and ensure all his girls are tucked in before him, ours tend to set a good example and get to bed first - of course, they have to be up early! Life as a chicken is certainly complicated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 I have to agree, there is a certain order to it. My pure bred is first and the younsters go later . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helenmb Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Yep I agree there is a definite order to my lots bedtime routine. Petula my Bluebelle is always the last to bed and has been ever since we got her. Pearl our Splash Leghorn is usually first but having said that I can see she is still outside scoffing at the moment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
