Bully chick

I have 4, 5-6 week old chicks. The amerucana keeps bullying the brahma, which is bigger in size and maybe she feels threatened? Every time I tend to them she starts in with jumping on her head and neck and it's only HER!! Why is that?! And is there something I should do?

alisachickies said:

I have 4, 5-6 week old chicks. The amerucana keeps bullying the brahma, which is bigger in size and maybe she feels threatened? Every time I tend to them she starts in with jumping on her head and neck and it's only HER!! Why is that?! And is there something I should do?

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Shes most likely bullying her because the other one is smaller,weaker,looks different or has something wrong with her. the best thing to do would be keep em seperate and if you cant do that then make distractions like put different foods all around in the brooder and let them all scavenge for it, they love pecking at the ground for treats, I also reccomend a peice of duct tape attached to the side of the brooder, they like shiny things.Or you could tie a button to a string and hang it over head, they like swinging things, it catches there eye.

Lilaby Babys said:

Shes most likely bullying her because the other one is smaller,weaker,looks different or has something wrong with her. the best thing to do would be keep em seperate and if you cant do that then make distractions like put different foods all around in the brooder and let them all scavenge for it, they love pecking at the ground for treats, I also reccomend a peice of duct tape attached to the side of the brooder, they like shiny things.Or you could tie a button to a string and hang it over head, they like swinging things, it catches there eye.

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Sorry, to be clear the aggressor is the smaller one, the brahma (the victim) is bigger in size. (Sorry if my original post was confusing)

alisachickies said:

Sorry, to be clear the aggressor is the smaller one, the brahma (the victim) is bigger in size. (Sorry if my original post was confusing

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hahaha I Have the same thing going on where the little ones picking on the bigger one, it is most likely because the bigger one is weaker or not as strong as she is

Lilaby Babys said:

hahaha I Have the same thing going on where the little ones picking on the bigger one, it is most likely because the bigger one is weaker or not as strong as she is

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Little stinker! My brahma is so sweet too, breaks my heart she's getting picked on

I have a mixed flock. Brahma are in the mix. Now mine are grown and the bully behaviour is still there.

My head hen is a bantam cochin. YES a bantam cochin. The bullies are Iowa Blue hens. The most common victims are the three Brahma.

Brahma are a super sweet and docile breed. Others see this and pick on them to keep their ranking. I too hate that my sweet Brahma wont even come for treats.
For me that means decisions must be made. Luckily I have a second coop and can separate them. Once my spring chicks are grown the brahma and giant cochins will move into the spare coop. I may keep the bantams with them too.


Or the Iowa Blues go to freezer camp.

Some breeds are just more docile and pay the price for it.

alisachickies said:

I have 4, 5-6 week old chicks. The amerucana keeps bullying the brahma, which is bigger in size and maybe she feels threatened? Every time I tend to them she starts in with jumping on her head and neck and it's only HER!! Why is that?! And is there something I should do?

Click to expand...

Are they crowded....how big is your brooder??
Do they have things to 'play' on, pecking, scratching, climbing, jumping?
More info and pics of housing would help us help you.
Wonders if the bully is a male? Pics of chicks would help too.

aart said:

Are they crowded....how big is your brooder??
Do they have things to 'play' on, pecking, scratching, climbing, jumping?
More info and pics of housing would help us help you.
Wonders if the bully is a male? Pics of chicks would help too.

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Attached two pics, hopefully they come through. They are in a kiddie sized pool at the moment. And it seems to be the bully only harasses the brahma when I'm there checking on them, I almost get the sense she's threatened by her getting something from me before she does?

I really hope there's no males!!