“Pecking order” is a term derived from chicken behaviour, it’s how they sort out their relative positions in the flock. The subtleties are fascinating.
Henrietta, with her wonky beak and pronounced limp, is top hen. She is completely secure in her ranking, leads the flock out in a morning and back at bedtime, and keeps an eye on all of them.
Princess Layer, the largest (and greediest) hen, is definitely Henriettas deputy and protector of the flock (chasing off next doors chickens when they come calling). She will half-heartedly peck at another bird, but only if they get too close to her current food source.
Gloria is the smallest and weakest of the older birds, she is outwardly feisty and regularly launches an unprovoked attack on the newest two. She was bottom hen in the original flock and is very aware of the fragility of her position.
True self confidence is not being the loudest or the most aggressive, it’s being secure in yourself.
The authentically self-assured never have to shout over people or put others down to demonstrate their own value.
Chicken Nuggets 