Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[Silkiemum]

Is it possible for the pecking order to be overturned?

 

We have a flock of six. Rachel the head chicken is one of the originals and her first lieutenant Jill joined the flock early on - so both date from 2009. After a couple of deaths, we added Janice and Ursula - two gorgeous Pekins - in 2010. Then came Precious and Mona- also Pekins - in July last year. R and J are silkie crosses.

Everything was lovely - we often remark how well they all get on and those settling in battles are a dim and distant memory - there is a clear hierarchy with Rachel and Jill firmly at the top. Until this week..

We have seen Ursula - who we thought was firmly no three chicken - pecking Rachel on the back of the neck at the weekend and actually pinning her to the floor - apparently without any retaliation from Queen Rachel. Then we saw U square up to Precious and have a real go at her too. Rachel had some blood on her as a result of this spat. HAve seen U do a couple of passing pecks on R yesterday and today as well. U has not attached Jill though interestingly J came to the rescue of Rachel when she was pinned down by pecking Ursula.

We are keeping a close eye on them. So worried about what is going on. Have had a look at R in case she is injured or poorly but apart from the blood which does not seem to be a serious injury, she seems OK. U is certainly behaving out of character.

Is it possible for the rank order to be changed and for their to be boardroom challenges like this?

If so, will they just sort themselves out - worries me there will be a fight to the death or something awful if Rachel is going to be deposed.

[jennym]

I think the pecking order can change - mine are constantly confusing me, just when I think I have it figured out. In terms of helping them through it, if it were me I'd make sure they have enough run space (minimum 1 sq metre per bird is often recommended, and mine seem content with that) and maybe put out some extra food & water stations, to avoid squabbles.

 

Maybe it's spring fever? Lot's of animals behave strangle as the breeding season approaches.

 

I'm sure someone with more experience (and more chickens!) than me will come along soon!

[Silkiemum]

Thanka for replying - definitely not lack of space as they have a large WIR with more than that per chicken. We aremaking sure they all have access to food and water - we thought we might put extra feeders in if it llooks like anyone is being denied food but so far not needed to. If this is normal then that is reassuring to know - just a shock to see the all powerful Big R taking it lying down. Maybe it's early spring fever as you say. Thanks again.

[Purplemaniacs]

With my four original girls the pecking order often changed, it seemed to coincide with egg laying and who was laying or not.

 

Now things seem more settled, one of the originals is top chook, just two of the old ones left and four newer ones.

 

Chrissie

[Mum]

It changes I've got a couple who haven't (yet) come into lay, but are definately showing signs of being hormonal teenagers and behaving less than nicely to another chook (who is as placid as they come). I wish they would just get on and lay an egg so they settle down a bit.

 

Does this happen in their WIR? Nopey, always when I let them out to play and the two terrors turn into playground bullies

[Silkiemum]

Very grateful for your replies - sounds like it is possible there is a revolution underway and maybe we have been lucky so far not to have had this. Just hope it doesn't get too violent for the old lady to handle. Thanks again.

Rachel, Jill, Janice, Ursula, Precious and Mona

Gone but not forgotten: Phoebe and Amy