Single hen

[sheik]

Two of my pullets were raised together in the same pen, so know each other well. The other was raised in the adjoining pen, and could have mingled with them for all I know.

 

Anyway, so far I haven't seen any fighting or bullying. They occasionally peck each other, but there doesn't seem to be any malice in it. When they feed too, any of the three will happily push another out of the way to get at the food, with no repercussions.

 

So, does this mean the Pecking Order has yet to be established, or is there a good chance they will all stay friends without needing a "leader"?

 

What about when they start laying?

 

Thanks,

 

/\

[Sheilaz]

It's already done! They certainly will know amongst themselves what the order is, but are obviously quite happy with it.

I could never tell who was boss with my 1st pair...until I introduced another pair!

Long may peace reign with yours. You may just notice that one or 2 hold back when treats are offered, but not necessarily.

[Egluntyne]

You are lucky, Sheik....it sounds as if the worst is over!.

[sheik]

Sounds good, thanks!

 

/\dam

[andymacaulay]

Two of my pullets were raised together in the same pen, so know each other well. The other was raised in the adjoining pen, and could have mingled with them for all I know.

 

Anyway, so far I haven't seen any fighting or bullying. They occasionally peck each other, but there doesn't seem to be any malice in it. When they feed too, any of the three will happily push another out of the way to get at the food, with no repercussions.

 

So, does this mean the Pecking Order has yet to be established, or is there a good chance they will all stay friends without needing a "leader"?

 

What about when they start laying?

 

Thanks,

 

/\

 

Jennifer was clearly the lowest when ours arrived with Aphrodite lording over the others. As they all matured though Jennifer started to hold her own and they now seem fairly equal.

[chocchick]

It could change later when hormones set in, but probably won't be any problems. Trinny and Susannah were very young and when they grew up had chicken stand offs where they stood up to their full height, looked like they were going to fight and didn't. Trinny has gone from bottom of 2 to bottom of 3 to top of 4 and has never liked the newer Megan. Megan is happily below Abbie who she arrived with and they've never fought even after maturing.