Aggresive 5 week old Bantam.

[MissSL]

We are new to raising chicks, and currently have two new Mum's, kept in separate pens. One has two chicks, the other has 5.
The chicks are mostly different and while the two chicks are really happy with Mum, there is one of the five (much bigger and we are quite sure it's a cockerel) attacking one of the other chicks. The poor thing is bald and was bleeding when they came out yesterday. We kept the one in while we secured and prepared a large unused dog kennel, hoping that giving them more space and logs etc to hide behind might sort things out but as soon as we let them out he hunted her down......ripping feathers out and pinning her to the floor. We've had to remove the big bully, and have him confined to another coup, but he's calling for Mum, who is calling back but happily getting on with bringing up the other four chicks who are all getting on fine now.
We brought the bully into the house in a box with food and water last night (he is eating) and he settled down fine. Should I let him be with the other big free ranging chickens? Will corn be bad for him?
Will he be OK without Mum?
I feel awful but we couldn't let him keep attacking that one chick!

 

[theoldchick]

Yes, I'd keep him away from his siblings and give him away with the disclosure that he's very aggressive. Or if you want to keep him, put him with the adults and observe for aggression. Also, you might want to evaluate how much room you have for your growing flock. Good luck!

 

[MissSL]

Yes, I'd keep him away from his siblings and give him away with the disclosure that he's very aggressive. Or if you want to keep him, put him with the adults and observe for aggression. Also, you might want to evaluate how much room you have for your growing flock. Good luck!

Thanks. They do have plenty of space.

 

[azygous]

Your inspiration to put this little tyrant with the big chickens is something that has been tried here on BYC in the past with surprising success.

It seems the youngster changes when there are bigger, stronger chickens that he can't intimidate. He is also more likely to be intimidated by them since he's much younger and this is natural.

This strategy often neutralizes the bullying tendencies.

 

[1TurkenLover]

Your inspiration to put this little tyrant with the big chickens is something that has been tried here on BYC in the past with surprising success.

It seems the youngster changes when there are bigger, stronger chickens that he can't intimidate. He is also more likely to be intimidated by them since he's much younger and this is natural.

This strategy often neutralizes the bullying tendencies.

x2