Flock Behavior
Why are my chickens fighting?
Chickens naturally establish a pecking order, and some fighting or chasing can be common, especially when new birds are added to the flock.
They may be establishing a pecking order
As with most animals, chickens need to establish a social order within the flock. This is commonly called the pecking order.
Some pecking, chasing, or squabbling can be normal while birds figure out where they fit in the group.
Normal Flock Behavior
Chickens may peck or chase each other as they establish their place in the flock.
Adding New Birds
Fighting is especially common when new birds are introduced to an existing flock.
Watch Closely
After adding new birds, watch the flock closely for the first 1–2 days.
What should I watch for?
When new birds are added, monitor them closely to make sure the pecking does not become excessive.
Separate birds if pecking becomes too aggressive
If the birds are pecking too much, causing injury, or one bird is being badly bullied, you may need to separate the affected bird or slow down the introduction process.
Some fighting is normal while chickens establish their pecking order, but keep a close eye on the flock for the first couple of days after adding new birds.