Newbie chick raiser: pecking chicks?

[Oregonchix]

I picked up my 5 chicks yesterday from the feed store. I have 2 barred rock, 1 RHR, 1 black sex-link, and 1 americauna. The Americauna chick is a little bigger than the rest and seems to be a little bit of a bully. I just don't know how much pecking is normal between baby chicks. No one chick is the target, and I do see them all occasionally pecking another chick, but the americauna one is definately more skittish and pecking the others more. They all seem to be healthy and eating and drinking normally. Is this normal behavior? Does it mean maybe I got a rooster?! I also wondered if it was o.k. to put a little box in their brooder. I stuck a little shoe-box sized box and they seem to be entertained going in and out of it. Is that o.k.?

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Chicks peck at stuff. It's part of their learning process. As long as blood is not being drawn - no problem. A little 'play house' helps alleviate the boredom. Good luck.