When Is Pecking Order Established?

A flock's hierarchy is known as the pecking order and finding where they fit within that order begins on around Day 3 of a chick's life. It starts with jostling for position, squawking and pushing over other chicks at feeding time, turning into feather pecking fights by Day 16.

At what age do chickens establish pecking order?

Usually, a 'look' or a quick peck is enough to remind the lower ranking hen she has overstepped the boundary. The serious games of the pecking order start when chicks are around six weeks of age. Chicks will start rushing at each other, bumping chests and flaring feathers.

How long does it take to establish a pecking order?

Establishing a pecking order can take anywhere from two days or up to two weeks. Once everyone knows their position, the stress will go down and disputes will be settled very quickly. The less space chickens have, the more violent they are in establishing and maintaining the pecking order.