Watch the rooster. He is the essential element to the flock. Had over 20 chickens for a few years and learned so much from watching them. The pecking order process can get so intense the hens will kill each other at times. Basically two hens fight, and if one has visible wound the others will continue pecking that wound eventually killing the wounded chicken if you don't isolate it from flock for time to heal. The rooster will prevent that for you. When I finally added a rooster he breaks up the fights and keeps order. Also protects them from predators by warning them of danger. Amazing creatures. Hours of entertainment. The kids used to throw cherry tomatoes into the pen and watch them play "chicken football". Hilarious watching them run with it then stop to eat it ony to have another one snatch it and run.

Disclaimer: at least this was what I observed. Not sure if this is the usual behavior considering I only had the one rooster. Could have just been lucky to have the little guy.

Watch the rooster. He is the essential element to the flock. Had over 20 chickens for a few years and learned so much from watching them. The pecking order process can get so intense the hens will kill each other at times. Basically two hens fight, and if one has visible wound the others will continue pecking that wound eventually killing the wounded chicken if you don't isolate it from flock for time to heal. The rooster will prevent that for you. When I finally added a rooster he breaks up the fights and keeps order. Also protects them from predators by warning them of danger. Amazing creatures. Hours of entertainment. The kids used to throw cherry tomatoes into the pen and watch them play "chicken football". Hilarious watching them run with it then stop to eat it ony to have another one snatch it and run.