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How to Survive Troubles like This Spunky Little Chicken … 2 Ways
…And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’ Rudyard Kipling
Believe it or not, the more you learn about how chickens maintain social order, the more surprises that can connect chickens to our society. In fact, this poor chicken has two lessons to teach about being spunky in times of trouble not to self aggrandize and stay defined and purposeful for survival.
First, chickens have an authoritarian basis where according to the pecking order each bird has a rank in the top-down hierarchy of the flock as a way to govern themselves by pecking their way to the top or maintaining status quo.
This pecking order is important because it determines which chickens are allowed first access to food, water, and best dust-bathing areas. The top chickens get the most comfortable nesting boxes and the best spots to roost for the night with less squabbling.
I have watched bigger, stronger chickens aggressively bully their way by pecking the others into submission with sharp pointed beaks and an alarmed sqwack by the affronted bird. Then they strut about, fluff their feathers, and cackle loudly while others keep their distance. Sometimes I wish I could shout out, “Be more democratic and fair” …but then they…
