How much pecking is acceptable

[tara7815]

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>

 

[Olive Hill]

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.

 

[fldiver97]

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...