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How the hierarchy between hens is established

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What is the pecking order?

All animals communicate with each other in different ways.

In the case of chickens, once they have reached sexual maturity, one of the various forms of communication is the “recognition of supremacy”, which is manifested by a symbolic peck on the head by the dominant individual towards the non-dominant individual who accepts the subordinate position.

This ranking is called the “pecking order” and guarantees tranquillity within a group of hens.

Memory of hens

The recognition of the different “social position” also depends on the memory of the hens, which is indicated in about 180 chickens.

If larger groups are formed, it is possible that two hens will meet that do not recognise the supremacy of the other and therefore start pecking each other to establish it.

This continuous pecking between hens with intact (uncut) beaks can lead to injuries and cannibalism.

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