8 2-month old chicks are pecking at each other. What can I do to stop them?

[PhatChicks]

I have 8 chicks still in the brooder box as my coop isn't ready yet and it's still a bit cold at night.

They keep pecking at each others backs until there is blood. We have to keep putting the purple goop on to cover up the blood color/taste. Is there anything I can do to stop them from pecking each other? I know the space is a bit small for them all but it will be a couple more weeks until the coop is done.

Any advice would be great! Thanks!

 

[Judy]

I would strongly suggest you find a way to get them outdoors, on the ground where they can forage, and in more space, today. Pecking can turn into cannibalism, and you can lose the whole bunch to it. If you are having to treat wounds, you are already a ways down that road. At that age, they don't need warmth, only space and freedon to forage.

 

[PhatChicks]

Thank you for the advice! I do put their box outside so they can get into the grass and dirt but I guess it's not enough. I will try to figure something out asap.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Thank you for the advice! I do put their box outside so they can get into the grass and dirt but I guess it's not enough. I will try to figure something out asap.

How large is this "box"? You can construct a larger space for them with a variety of different things you may have on hand since you do not have to worry about providing heat, etc at this point, only containment.

 

[PhatChicks]

I have a 6x8 chain link dog kennel that I will contain them in. I have been looking for a coop but haven't found one that will work, either they are too expensive or too old. My dad is going to help me fix up an old 5x5 wooden kids playhouse within the chain link so hopefully that will work for now.

At night, is is okay for them to be together? I separated out the one that has been pecked. She is in a extra large dog crate sitting in the grass so she can still forage around. Should I leave her in that at night? Or can she go back in with the others?

Sorry for the questions - I'm a first time chicken owner.