Pecking order is the social ranking system that birds establish within a flock.
Stronger or dominant birds often control access to feed, water, and space, while weaker ones take lower positions in the hierarchy. This behavior is natural among chickens and helps maintain order, but it can also lead to bullying and injuries.
Overcrowding, poor feeding, and stress can worsen aggressive pecking. Farmers reduce problems by providing enough feeders, space, and sometimes by debeaking birds to prevent serious harm.
See also: Debeaking, Poultry housing, Stress management, Brooding, Laying cycle