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Thoughts on chicken society dynamics
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So I am a bit perplexed in trying to figure out what is going on with my flock

So I had 7 Roos that are 4 months old and had gotten 24 more chicks are now about 6 weeks old. So since we are very warm out and about 2 weeks ago I put them in the coop with the older roos but in a separate area so they could see each other but could not get to each other.

3 of the 7 older Roos were a-holes (also the largest). Constantly picking on the other 4 and fighting trying to doso to death the only advantage the other 4 had were for some reason the 3 a-holes could not get up on the perches so that was their escape and safety. They would often be kept up there and even towards the end of last week when they were all out in their run area the a-holes wouldn't let one of the mellow ones into the run at night. As soon as he went to go in they would all try to attack him in kind of a coordinated strike to not let him in. Well this guy became by little buddy following me around like a lost dog for protection because if i was around they wouldnt go after him. I would have to pick him up every night and put him in the coop to get him in safely as the others would wait by the door. The A-holes would also try fruitlessly to get at the chicks but never could obviously in attach mode.

One day last week one of the chicks escaped their separate area when I went to feed and water them and the a-holes all went right after it in a strike. Luckily it survived unharmed as soon as they cornered it before I could get to it one of the 4 meeker ones came in in a full attach on the head a-hole from behind which caused them to go after him. He was fine as he is twice as fast as them and quickly got away and I could scoop up the chick.

So first thought. Was the one trying to protect the chick or did he just see an opportunity to get a cheap shot in on one of the a-holes?

So since the a-holes are an obvious problem and as time goes on they would get more and more bold this weekended they went to freezer camp.

So I had done limited tests with letting the chicks together with the other 4 supervised with no issues they couldn't have cared less about them and would eat next to each other sit next to them ect. So not that the a-holes are gone, I let them integrate together. Other than some chasing here and there and a light peck or two there have been no issues.

But here is where things have gotten interesting. The one that saved the chick has certainly become the new leader and seems to be doing great especially with the chicks. Hes been rounding them up at night into the coop. If any of the other chase or try going to peck he runs over and stops them. Seems to also be trying to teach them the ropes and how to forage and even appears like he is trying to show them how to use the outside waters. (they have their own standard gravity one ) in their area in the coop only the can get to and can come and go as they need. Hes basically been acting like a mother, but hes all boy crowing and all.

Anyone else ever seen anything like this? Also he was always the most skittish around me but now seems to be alot less.

Now back to the other one whos changed. The one that used to follow me around like a lost dog has started attacking my feet. All he does is come running out of nowhere or sometimes hides then comes our or jumps down and starts pecking at my shoes as im walking. IS he trying to play? Also pecks at my hands if I got to pick him up (but wont run and will let me) This all happened as soon as the a-holes disappeared.

The other 2 really act no different.

So I got the leader who no one messes and really doesnt mess with anyone else with who seems to have become a good father/mother figure for the chicks

And now the weakest one before now attacking me when he used to run to me for protection just days ago.

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1 year ago