3 days old chicks pecking shoulders raw. What to do?

[dawn of the chickens]

All are 5 days old I think and my 2 black sex links are being pecked raw on their shoulders by the 3 red sex links (they are physically bigger). What can I do? Should I just separate them and apply antibiotic ointment? Thank you.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

How big is your brooder? What's the temperature?

 

[dawn of the chickens]

Thanks for responding. 90 degrees and size is 18"x2'

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Try lowering the heat a bit. I would spray the areas with bluekote.

You can add some things to keep chicks busy. Perches, clumps of sod from a clean area in your lawn, or clumps of dandelion greens.

You also can put them outside in a temporary pen during the day if it's at least 80 degrees out.

Generally pecking is from boredom or crowding. Too much heat can cause a problem too. Sex links in general can be busy birds.

 

[dawn of the chickens]

That makes sense. I will do that! Thanks for your help!!

 

[esme13]

If it continues separate, I had to separate due to Balding and both groups are doing better.

 

[dawn of the chickens]

Just wanted to say thanks again for your help. I did lower the temp, gave them some sod and they seem much happier. The pecking has stopped and my little ones shoulders are healing. Working on expanding their home and plan on getting blukote to have on hand just in case... also I will separate if it happens again. Thanks everyone!