9 WEEK old roosters fighting

[Honey_Silvas]

I have 9 week old d'uccles. Yesterday several of the little roos kept fighting. They weren't just chest bumping, they drew blood. A couple of combs were bleeding and you could see where they were pecking each other around the eyes! I tried removing the one that I thought was instigating the fights, but then another one would take over. I kept separating them and scolding them and eventually they settled down and stopped. Do they usually start fighting this young? They are a little small to start eating them.

 

[Frannabelle]

I have little bantam roos about the same age. They had quite a smack down a week ago, one "won" the fight and now all is peaceful. The other little boys have been put in their place.

 

[silkiechicken]

Comb blood is no big deal. Let them fight it out now before they can do bad damage. Once they figure out who is who, they'll settle down. I avoid getting involved as I find it just makes quarrels last longer and start over.

 

[centrarchid]

I recommend not separating or interfering. Rank definement was underway and yes they get a little dinged up but social structure / pecking order established as a result will limit future scraps. Separating and re-introducing prolongs scraps.

 

[Frannabelle]

Quote:
I learned that as well, let 'em fight it out

 

[Honey_Silvas]

Thanks, It was just such a shock for them to suddenly be fighting. I'll leave them to it if they start again. I felt really bad when I saw one little guy hiding under a door to keep from getting pecked.