Stalking = bullying, correct?

[Slw]

We're having some serious bully issues, and I want to make sure I'm looking at this properly and not overreacting.

It's my understanding that pecking order is:
- squaring off with mild pecks, chest bumps, or kicks, then going about your business
- pecking another bird to get them out of your personal space
- giving "the look" to tell another bird to back off

In other words, pecking order is a brief interaction between chickens. Once a "winner" has been established, the body language between them is clear. A lower chicken will bow or leave, and the dominate chicken will hold her ground.

What is NOT pecking order (ie. bullying, in my opinion):
- continually stalking another bird around the pen
- repeatedly pecking and kicking at a bird that's giving submissive body language
- pulling out feathers or going for blood

I imagine these lines are blurred a bit when integrating new birds, but I would not expect the second batch of behaviors from brooder mates unless there were serious space or resource issues.

Am I off base here? How much of the latter behaviors do you tolerate before intervening?

Tagging a few of our resident chicken whisperers that always have thoughtful takes on bird behavior.
@azygous @Ridgerunner @rosemarythyme

You are describing bullying when there is deliberate stalking and attacking

 

[thecatumbrella]

You are describing bullying when there is deliberate stalking and attacking

Exactly. It became very clear to me once I was able to get a look at typical pecking order behaviors.