louise62 Posted June 6, 2010 Share Posted June 6, 2010 Can the pecking order change? I have had my girls for a week now and apart from Elspeth having an off day, they are fine and happy. Phoebe was the head girl all week, but today it seems as if Elspeth has had enough and was definately in charge this afternoon when I took them out some sweetcorn. She was elbowing Phoebe out of the way and was determined that she was in charge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted June 6, 2010 Share Posted June 6, 2010 Yes the pecking order can change, when you have a bigger flock the intricacies of the pecking order can get really complex For example, during a recent introduction, Nyssa my appenzeller saw it as her chance to progress and overtook several girls in the pecking order. However, Susan my Silkie has remained towards the bottom of the pecking order, but is still personally above Nyssa. It is fascinating to watch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louise62 Posted June 6, 2010 Author Share Posted June 6, 2010 I can imagine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted June 6, 2010 Share Posted June 6, 2010 I found the pecking order changes as they came into lay. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forge Cottage Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 In our very small flock... we find that different chickens are dominant in different respects but that they all have their respected place. Now that Peggy has just gone Mabel is dominant eating and exploring, but cautious Gertie will raise the alarm if there is danger and lead the way to bed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daffodill Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 I have also found that hens try to change the pecking order as they come into lay- My Whitey thought she saw her chance to move up a notch recently but the hen above just ignored her attempts, so for all her gesturing and general puffing up and acting tough- she got nowhere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ISCA Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 I really can not work out who is top chook in my wee flock. Meep Meep is ALWAYS first to bed. Mariette is ALWAYS first out of the coop in the morning. The Orps frequently run and charge at the others yet are the first to move away from the food bowl if others muscle in. Though usually all 6 eat around the feeding bowl happily together. The Splash Orp (Barbara) is definately the most timid when I am around and easily spooked. I have witnessed no pecking or other signs of bullying. How do you tell who is top or can this be the first chook democaracy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
