Chicken Behavior

Understanding Chicken Behavior: What Your Flock's Actions Are Telling You

Raising backyard chickens is not only about providing food and shelter — it's also about understanding their behavior. Chickens communicate through body

language, sounds, and daily routines. By learning to "speak chicken," you can better care for your flock, spot health issues early, and foster a more harmonious coop. Let’s break down some common chicken behaviors and what they mean.

1. Pecking Order Dynamics

The pecking order is the social hierarchy within your flock. It’s natural and necessary, as it establishes leadership and resource distribution.

• Dominant chickens: They may peck others, puff up their feathers, and grab the best roosting spots or food first.

• Submissive chickens: These birds may step aside, lower their heads, or avoid confrontation.

What to watch for: Mild squabbles are normal, but if you see excessive bullying (bleeding, feather loss, or isolation), it may be time to intervene by providing more space or creating safe zones.

2. Broody Behavior

A broody hen is one that’s determined to hatch eggs, even if they're unfertilized. Signs include:

• Staying in the nesting box for long periods

• Puffing up and growling or clucking when approached

• Plucking her own chest feathers to warm the eggs

Tip: If you don’t want chicks, gently break the broody cycle by removing her from the nesting area or placing her in a “broody breaker” cage.

3. Dust Bathing

Dust baths are a chicken’s way of staying clean and parasite-free. They dig a shallow pit, fluff dirt into their feathers, and roll around — a somewhat comical yet vital activity.

Encourage this behavior by providing a designated dust bath area with dry soil, sand, and a sprinkle of diatomaceous earth.

4. Vocalizations and What They Mean

Chickens are quite chatty, and each sound has a purpose:

• Clucking: Contentment or communication between hens

• Egg Song: A loud, proud series of squawks after laying an egg

• Alarm Call: A sharp, repeated sound signaling danger (ground predators or aerial threats)

• Purring: Yes, chickens can purr when they’re especially relaxed!

Tip: Learning their “alarm calls” can help you respond quickly to predators.

5. Foraging and Scratching

Chickens instinctively forage, scratching the ground to uncover insects, seeds, or plants.

• Healthy flocks spend most of their day scratching, pecking, and exploring.

• Bored or stressed birds might start feather-picking or pecking at coop walls.

Solution: Keep them entertained with treat balls, hanging veggies, or adding a chicken swing.

6. Roosting Habits

Chickens naturally roost at night to stay safe from ground predators.

• Normal behavior: Jockeying for the highest roosting bar (dominant birds roost higher)

• Unusual behavior: If a chicken refuses to roost, it may be unwell or bullied.

Ensure there’s enough roosting space (8-12 inches per bird) to prevent fights.

Final Thoughts

By understanding these common chicken behaviors, you can foster a happy, healthy flock. Observing how your chickens interact, rest, and communicate will help you catch problems early and strengthen the bond with your feathered friends.

Have you noticed any quirky behaviors in your flock? Share your stories and questions in the comments — let's talk chicken!