[Nicki85]

Hi all 

We've had the chooks for just over two weeks so far so not that long.  To start with Lilith was the boss then last week this changed to Ruby...
Now I can't tell!  They spend a fair bit of time chasing each other and then squaring up to each other, like boxers in a ring 

They haven't casued any damage yet but i'm worried they might?  I didn't think hens would fight like this...  Any thoughts/ advice?

There are also the two legbars in with them but they just ignore their silly behaviour! 

[Kate and her Ducks]

Sounds very much like they are trying to assert their right to be top hen in the pecking order. From what I understand this can take a few weeks and as long as there id=s no serious damage being done it is best to let them get on with it but I don't have chickens so that is just from what I've heard.

Someone who knows chickens is bound to be along soo.

[andy and deb]

Yes its just normal behaviour , we have only had our chooks about a month but the pecking order has been sorted after a couple of squabbles .. there is plenty of info on line as well as in these forums to help you ..

[bantam novice]

Hens can get quite feisty when establishing the pecking order.  I agree here with Andy and Deb.  You just need to let them scrap it out.  Be ready with the purple spray if they draw any blood.  They should sort it out for themselves soon. 

[terri]

iv got 3 and i cant decide who is in charge out of the black rock and bluebell but my warren is def bottom poor love is often getting a tail peck as i see her dash out the way

[neenyneen]

iv got 3 and i cant decide who is in charge out of the black rock and bluebell but my warren is def bottom poor love is often getting a tail peck as i see her dash out the way

my black rock and bluebelle are exactly the same, my blacktail is definatley the bottom, but also she is the only one of the three that will come over to me and let me stroke her 

[terri]

same here warren follows me about all over the garden

[bramford]

I have two warrens and they never fight so not sure who is the boss, they will chase me down the garden so it's not me 

[terri]

 

[binghamd]

Last year when I got our 3, a Barred Rock, a light Sussex and buff sussex the Rock was definitely the boss to start with. She was so agressive that her indoors called her B B short foe Barred B____. Later the light sussex became the bigger and became boss. Poor little buff was always bottom of the pecking order but by far the funniest when she comes running for food.
Make sure that they can all roost at the same level or they will fight over that as well.

[Dominic]

They will squabble a bit, just make sure they have enough room to get away from a fight and its unlikely they will do any harm.

[Nicki85]

Hi all, thanks for the feedback and reassuring me!

They seem to be okish now, the occasional peck here and there but no more boxing ring antics thankfully!  Still not apparent who is top hen but they all seem happy enough   

[Dominic]

There was a bit of chase when mine were free ranging last night.

The chaser suddenly saw the jet stream from the hosepipe appear in front of her and gave up the chase.  hopefully that will knock it on the head, the dogs certainly stopped.