Are chickens social animals

Answer 1

Oh Yes. Many people have heard the term "Pecking order" and this refers to birds in general but certainly chickens.

The top or boss bird in a flock is generally the rooster, however if there is no rooster or the rooster is young the top bird is often the oldest hen.

Being the top bird gets preferred roost and choice feeding. Other birds will defer to the boss and move out of the way when the boss bird approaches. This pecking order extends downward to the weakest, most timid bird who always seems to be picked upon by the rest of the flock.

Answer 2

Depends on what you mean by 'social'. Chickens rarely post on Facebook, attend raves, or hunt in packs.

But they do exhibit what Dr. Joy Mench, Professor of Animal Science at University of California at Davis, calls "sophisticated social behavior." They can recognize other chickens, and they gather in flocks by choice. They become familiar with their group, and do not sleep as well around unfamiliar chickens.

Hens keep watch over young chicks as they grow up, like other types of birds, and sometimes hens even share a nest and raise chicks communally. Flocks establish a 'pecking order' that determines the dominant member (sometimes called the alpha chicken) -- the dominant member eats first, and defends his territory against intruders. They prefer drinking water in groups, which may be a defensive tactic, since they will often dive their beaks deep into the water to cool their carotid artery. Presumably other chickens would be able to keep watch while they have their heads mostly submerged.

Chickens are also capable of forming bonds of affection with humans, and of recognizing humans as the 'alpha' in the flock.

Domesticated chickens tend to have less social interactions, but also tend to be more aggressive.
Yes, very much so. They go everywhere in flocks. Even when they are free range, they will stick together in groups.