Written by: Dr. Jacquie Jacob, University of Kentucky Within flocks, chickens and other types of poultry have a social hierarchy referred to as a pecking order. Mild pecking is normal in the establishment of this order. Feather pecking occurs when one bird pecks or pulls at the feathers of another. Feather pecking can damage plumage … Continue reading FEATHER PECKING AND CANNIBALISM IN SMALL AND BACKYARD POULTRY FLOCKS