Various forms of overcrowding are common in heifer-rearing operations. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of overstocking at the feedbunk on the voluntary intake, growth performance, feedbunk-sorting behaviors, displacements from the feedbunk, and hygiene of 128 gravid Holstein heifers (475 ± 55.3 kg) consuming an alfalfa haylage/corn silage diet diluted with processed wheat straw at an inclusion rate of 25.2% (DM basis). Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with 4 feedbunk stocking rates (100, 133, 160, or 200% of capacity) represented within each of 4 blocks; pens (n = 16) were considered to be the experimental unit. The statistical analyses of heifer sorting behaviors and displacements from the feedbunk were expanded to include evaluations over time, which were treated as repeated measures. Nutrient intakes were not affected by stocking rate at the feedbunk (P ≥ 0.122). Overall, the effects of feedbunk stocking rate on growth performance were minor, with only trends for linear increases in total weight gain (P = 0.086) and BCS (P = 0.066) observed. Collectively, overstocked rates also exhibited a trend (P = 0.078) for a better feed:gain ratio than pens stocked at 100% of feedbunk capacity (10.3 vs. 11.0 kg/kg). Heifers sorted against large (>19-mm) particles and NDF, but exhibited preference for short (>1.18-mm, and <8-mm) and fine (<1.18-mm) feed particles, as well as CP over time. However, these responses were not affected by feedbunk-stocking rate (P ≥ 0.205) or the interaction of stocking rate and daily sampling times (P ≥ 0.364). During the first hour after daily feed distribution, heifer displacements from the feedbunk were greater (P ≤ 0.007) for overstocked pens, and increased linearly (P ≤ 0.030) with stocking rate for most evaluation periods (wk 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 of the trial). Displacements exceeded 70/h in pens stocked at 200% of capacity during wk 1, 2, and 12. Heifer hygiene of legs and flanks was not affected (P ≥ 0.136) by competition at the feedbunk. While overstocking at the feedbunk did not affect heifer performance, it should not be practiced blindly without attention to other critical components of animal welfare.