Understanding Chicken Behavior
December 15, 20239 min readAdmin
Understanding chicken behavior is key to maintaining a happy, healthy flock. Learn to interpret your chickens' actions and vocalizations to better care for them and prevent problems before they arise.
The Pecking Order
Understanding the social hierarchy in your flock.
Establishment
First few days
Maintenance
Ongoing process
Changes
New members
Impact
Resource access
Common Behaviors
Understanding what different behaviors mean.
Normal Behaviors
- Dust bathing
- Scratching
- Preening
- Nesting
Warning Signs
- Lethargy
- Aggression
- Isolation
- Unusual sounds
Observation Tip
Spend time watching your flock daily to learn their normal behaviors. This makes it easier to spot when something isn't right.
Key Behavioral Insights
- Respect the pecking order
- Provide enough resources
- Monitor flock dynamics
- Recognize stress signals
- Understand seasonal changes