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How much pecking is acceptable

Discussion in 'Raising Baby Chicks' started by tara7815, Sep 17, 2009.

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  1. Sep 17, 2009 #1
    tara7815

    tara7815 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I know that it is the natural order of things for there to be some pecking going on - at what point would it not be OK?

    I've combined my flocks and they seem to be doing great - some light pecking here and there that I expected and I think is completely normal - but I just want to know what to look for that would not be OK>
     
  3. Sep 17, 2009 #2
    Olive Hill

    Olive Hill Overrun With Chickens

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    If it's just every now and then they're probably fine. I watch for persistent pecking. If one is willing to chase another across the yard pecking away relentlessly, that's over the top. Outcasts, if one or even a few chickens can't get near the rest of the flock without getting picked on it's out of hand. That kind of stuff.

    The occasional "Hey! That's my... dust bathing spot/roost spot/cricket/best friend to hang out with" pecks I let go.

    Essentially if the inferior chicken ducks out and the superior chicken takes the retreat in stride and stops the attack, I generally deem their relationship okay. [​IMG]
     
  5. Sep 17, 2009 #3
    fldiver97

    fldiver97 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I agree with OP. Make sure that everybody gets food/water and they don't peck constantly one an individual. Also watch that nobody pecks to the point where they draw blood...
     

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