chicks trying to eat other chicks feathers?

[Mountain Wampus]

I have a mixed breed flock of 16 chicks, 5 weeks old. 1 of the breeds ( 2 of the chicks ) has had the habit since day 1 of pecking at the feathers of the others, stealing food from the others mouths and hunting for food around the feet of the others when there is food and treats for all available at all times.

I don't know what breed they are yet, and they don't seem to damage the others, I even saw one back up and scratch at the feather patch it was pecking at. They don't seem to remove feathers and the other chicks hardly ever seem to notice the behavior but it bothers me a lot. lol

Has anyone experienced this or know whats going on with this one breed of chicks?

Thanks.

 

[crumptz]

It seems to me that those are either very dominate chicks setting up their place in the pecking order OR young roosters. It isn't uncommon behavior for hens to do this if they are the top of the pecking order. They don't actually hurt each other- but they make it known that they are number one!