What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[maryeadrian]

I have a question. It's probably clear to everyone else, but these are my first chickens.

 

I have 3 pullets that are 10 weeks old that live in a WIR and eglu. They've been there for 2 weeks. It looks like they've established the pecking order. My "top hen", Mavis, is chasing and pecking the other two until the start squaking loudly. I've seen her pull so hard the other chicken's backside jumped in the air. So far no blood. This is probably regular chicken behaviour, right? Especially since they're still young?

 

As they get older, will Mavis continue to chase and peck the others? The other two try and steer clear of her for the most part, but Mavis will just start chasing and pecking out of nowhere. They do all eat together without any problems. And they sleep together...Mavis on top of the other two.

 

I just want to make sure this is normal.

 

Thanks!

[Egluntyne]

So long as no blood is drawn, I'd let them sort it out among themselves.

 

If food is the flash point, a couple of extra feeders might help. She can't man them all.

[maryeadrian]

She's fine sharing food. In fact all three have pecked at a corn cob I string from the ceiling of the run and they're fine together. The rest of her behaviour seems out of the blue. But you're right. It's probably something they sort out on their own. (I keep telling myself, "You're not a chicken. Mind your own business!" Once it's sorted, this doesn't keep up does it?

[Patricia W]

As long as there is no blood - you're OK.

[maryeadrian]

OK. Thanks!