3-4 day old RIR mix chicks - super standoffish and pecky

[Auntiejessi3]

The way chicks feather out and posture is not a reliable sex indicator. (There are a few breeds that can be feather sexed, but that doesn't apply here)

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

I've been keeping RIRs for many years and it has always been my experience that even tho they are friendly, they DO NOT like being handled. They do tend to stick with their own breed, too, which is why I'm currently only keeping Reds. When I kept another breeds I always ended up giving the RIRs their own coop to prevent bullying. Currently I'm thinking about maybe adding White Rocks--but if I do they will get their own coop and run just to keep it all mellow!

 

[Kytera]

The way chicks feather out and posture is not a reliable sex indicator. (There are a few breeds that can be feather sexed, but that doesn't apply here)

That is a relief! A handful have some serious tail feathers, while the rest haven't even sprouted a wispy hint. 2/3 being roos would have been sad (I am prepared but hoped at least half would be pullets)
Don't mind the Choc Orp, I was holding it when this Lil Red escaped the brooder and flew up to check things out that tail though!

 

[Kytera]

I've been keeping RIRs for many years and it has always been my experience that even tho they are friendly, they DO NOT like being handled. They do tend to stick with their own breed, too, which is why I'm currently only keeping Reds. When I kept another breeds I always ended up giving the RIRs their own coop to prevent bullying. Currently I'm thinking about maybe adding White Rocks--but if I do they will get their own coop and run just to keep it all mellow!

I was hoping as mixes They would be more chill (like their black star mamas) but no luck there they are becoming more friendly but absolutely hate being handled. We interact without picking them up and they do much better!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They

Separating them dramatically improved the situation! Once on their own, I was able to interact with them more. They co mingled peacefully for periods every day too and are now in 2 big mixed brooders. Going to upgraded them to XL and XXL dog crates soon.
I am still working on the run and coop bit those are the guidelines I am building with. Planning on 12. The rest will be destined for freezer camp. Based on the feathering out and posturing, I suspect only 3, *maybe* 4, of the reds are actually hens.

Glad things are going better!