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 is pecking order established?

Pecking order positions are established when one or more flock members are confronted by another member. If one of the chickens turns out to be stronger or more intimidating than the other(s) being challenged, the individual that is weaker will back down and is now lower in the order than the stronger member.