Summary

The author discusses the social dynamics of their chicken flock, drawing parallels to human societal issues and advocating for change and questioning of established norms.

Abstract

The article titled "I Asked My Chickens About Their Pecking Order" delves into the author's observations of their chickens' social hierarchy, known as the pecking order. The author reflects on the complexities of this hierarchy, noting that it is taken seriously by the chickens and can involve bullying. They intervene to protect the lower-ranking chickens, despite concerns about potential future repercussions for the protected individuals. The author humorously considers possible factors determining the chicken hierarchy, such as tenure, breed, and physical appearance, likening it to human high school social structures. However, they also ponder the nature of such hierarchies, questioning their validity and whether they

I Asked My Chickens About Their Pecking Order

They give confusing answers

I would like to think they give each other names. There are 10 of them and honestly, I call them all chicken. Clever, I know.

The pecking order is a real thing. It’s just an expression in human language but for chickens, it is their way of life.

I don’t agree with the order, I stand up to the chicken bullies and remind them that they need to get along.

I root for the underdog, (under chicken), and I have words with the rude jerks when they are being rude jerks. Then I fear that the ones I protect now might get made fun of later for it.

It’s hard to find a balance. I just want peace.

What makes a chicken boss

As far as the ranking system, I have narrowed it down to these possibilities:

The chickens that have been here longer get to rule the roost.
The 2 top chicken ladies are a different breed they should be the boss- that's racist as hell.
The ones with the prettiest feathers are the boss.

Sound familiar? It’s like high school where the pretty girls are popular.

Option#2 fizzles out. This would be the tiebreaker option. The two that are the biggest bullies are a different breed but I think their attitude is from being here first.

Option #3 is a classic chicken or the egg scenario. Which came first, the missing feathers, or the low ranking in the pecking order?

They yank a feather out of the lower ranks, and they are a lower rank because they get a feather pulled out. It’s brutal, it’s horrible to witness, and it’s a social injustice.

It’s nature. That’s the way they work.

Just because it has always been that way does not mean that it will always be so- Carlos Gershenson

Despite my intervening, the chickens will continue with their tired social system. Humans are smarter, though

A rule that has always been around deserves to be questioned. Why is that a rule? Why do we do it this way? If there is a valid enough answer then the rule will hold up.

If nobody can even remember why, then maybe it’s time to change that rule.

Civilizations change. People grow and learn. We don’t have the same outlook as we did 100 years ago. Or 50 years ago. Or yesterday, for that matter.

The world is changing for the better

I like the changes I see with equality. Though it makes me wonder why it wasn't always this way. Why would human rights have limitations because of skin color? We have different shades of skin so use a separate drinking fountain? What?

And if two adults love each other and want to get married, why would it matter so much if they were both men?

It’s so bizarre to think about.

Next, we will have the gender pay gap figured out.

Meanwhile, back at my chicken farm-

The ladies are sleeping but tomorrow I will be interviewing them to get their take on all of this. I know the equality issue is too heavy for them, and it’s too much for me sometimes. I get it.

They are superficial beings and they only care about mealworms and laying eggs. It’s nice to be able to share some thoughts with humans.

So from the bottom of my heart, thanks for listening.