Define 'pecking' [animals]
Q
Here is a tale of pecking and how your behavior can backfire and come right back ATCHYA.
Got a bunch of chickens. The two oldfag hens left from my first flock have been integrated with a bunch of newfag chickens …. The two dominant hens ate first, got the best roost spot etc…
A Buff and a Delaware, the Buff knew she was #1, she did not have to prove her dominance by being mean and nasty, she allowed the younguns to do their thing and would kindly correct them when needed. The Delaware let everyone know she was #1, she was mean for no reason and would constantly pick on the younguns with glee.
Forward to winter time…. the two oldfag hens began to moult, losing feathers and status. At the same time the younguns begin laying and asserting their role as the dominant hens.
Well the Buff was able to approach the food, eat, hang around without being attacked overtly by the younguns…. BUT the Delaware was not. Her behavior as the dominant hen was not forgotten by any of the younguns and they do not let her join in on any level. Kinda serves her right - your behavior will catch up with you !! I check on them to make sure there has not been any blood shed (because once there is blood shed chickens will keep pecking until someone dies)
Be nice ~ the pecking order does not forget the past.