Flock hierarchy or just bullying? My rooster doesn't fit the usual pattern.

I've been watching my flock for about 6 months now, and everyone says the top hen bosses the rooster around sometimes. But my Speckled Sussex hen, Betty, literally dive-bombs my rooster every time he tries to call the flock to food. He just stands there and takes it... is that normal or is my flock dynamics totally broken? I'm wondering if we overthink how pecking order really works, or if I should just let them sort it out. Anyone else have a hen that completely runs the show?

2 comments

2 Comments

faith_lopez489h ago

Wait, your hen dive-bombs him? That's kinda wild but also honestly kind of funny. I feel you though, my hen does the exact same thing to my roo. She runs the whole show, calls the shots on food and everything. He just lets her do it. I let them sort it out and they're fine, no one's getting hurt, so I'd say just let them be. Your flock's not broken, Betty's just the real boss.

ivan2119h ago

she runs the whole show" - man that reminds me of my old cat Patches. She'd literally steal the dog's bed right out from under him and he'd just sit there looking confused. Animals are weird like that. Sounds like Betty just has a big personality and your roo knows better than to argue with her.

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