C. W. A. (a.k.a. Chickens with attitude)

[MableGertyDillys]

Greetings all

New first time flock tamer here! Mabel the Blackrock is channelling her inner mafia mother, they're all around the same age but she's already laying eggs and really has a bad attitude. Poor Gerty (Speckled) and Dillys (Bluebell) aren't allowed anywhere near the lettuce. Is this normal pecking order stuff, or are the underlings more likely to stand their ground when they're laying too?

I've made a flag for the evil crew's coop, don't want the neighbours to wander in unwarned!

 

[Acre4Me]

Yes, normal pecking order. One will be leader, and all not-yet-laying will always be lowest in pecking order. Yes, highest ranking gets first dibs on treats, etc.

 

[MableGertyDillys]

Ah, thank you! Good to know

 

[RoyalChick]

Welcome to BYC!
Sounds normal. Mine are generally good natured but a few peck their flock-mates just because they can!
Fortunately i haven’t had to deal with serious bullying - no blood drawn.

 

[MableGertyDillys]

Hello RoyalChick Poor pup got a peck on the nose from Dillys today, and Mabel got me on the leg - my delivery of lettuce was too slow. I've made them a dustbath, a swing, they have big branches to climb on and for roosting, lots of nice grub and still they misbehave. I'm now building a bigger enclosure to see if that helps, hoping the space will give them more room to avoid each other and me!