Even if not "dignified" with Latinate names, the description of pecks, times and places for them, their meanings and uses, are all new found ground in the study of Cycens. Ever onward...
This article is a critical look at how everything has a purpose and an appropriate response. Next time I give my hubby a peck on the cheek, I’ll analyze my intentions!
I often am playfully criticized by family and friends for my descriptions of observations of my flock behaviors. It is refreshing to read of your observation of subtle differences in a simple (not really) action like a peck. Much is to be learned by simple observation on many levels with animals and people. Thanks for such a thoughtful and enlightening article.
Thanks you for reading the article. There is only so much one can learn from laboratory experiments.
Eventually one has to try and study the subject in the conditions in which it is kept. The debate then becomes can such behaviours still be considered as natural and how much influence the observer has on such behaviours.
Wonderful article. As usual, Shadrach has taken a thorough look at behavior (in this case, pecking) with a scientific approach. I enjoyed reading about behaviors I have seen in my own flock, and other behaviors I have not had the privilege to witness, since I do not have roosters and I do confine my flock to a run when I can’t be out with the dog to deter predators. Thank you for taking the time to share your observations!
Thanks for reading the article. I know you watch your flock so you should be able to identify some of the pecks. I'm pretty sure there are more that could be classified.
I'll be watching my current flock a bit more closely with some of this in mind. Thank you for sharing Shad. You always have such interesting observations!
What a neat article! Great observations ... and even better descriptions. I'll definitely be paying closer attention to my birds' pecking interactions, now. Thanks, I think!
Very interesting article, easy to read and with many pictures. I was not aware the chickens have so many different types of pecks. - I need to observe my ducks closer, they are using their bills as »hands« too.
It never occurred to me that there could be so many different reasons behind the pecking behavior. I found this article very interesting and well written.
Thank you for reading the article. I don't think what pecks mean is considered by many people. It takes a particular sort of obsession to try and study it ;)
Not many people do realise it seems from the beak clipping advice I've read.