Aggressive 6 week olds

[ZaneyMama]

Both of my Barred Rocks chicks are aggressive! The peck my hand every time I try to change their food or water and one of them pecked my son in the face yesterday and caused a scratch on his lip.

They are supposed to be pullets. What's wrong with my chicks? Are they just mean?

I think they are ready to move out of their brooder into a bigger space - they are a little cramped, but the coop isn't quite ready yet. We'll finish it this week when the weather's warm! Could that be it?

Thanks!

 

[Gonzo]

Wow, Thats odd. I have a Barred Rock, she don't much care to be messed with. She's never tried to peck anyone though. Did you socialize them from the start? You could try again, but do it slowly... Try to put some food in your hand, and that will help them to trust you, if they'll eat from your hand. Good Luck!

 

[fancbrd4me02]

Well, what kind of pecking? Most pecking that young chicks to is experimental - As is: Are you edible? Is this edible? Etc.?

I am guessing that is what your girls are doing. I don't advise getting your face on the level of chickens, any chicken might peck you in the face/eye. I have many friendly old chickens, but they often peck at me. There is a big difference between normal pecking (which pretty much all chickens do) and an attack. Chicken attacks are much more severe than a peck, and includes biting, scratching (with spurs or feet), hitting with wings (flogging), and acting nuts in general.

About space, they could be cramped - might be hungry. Are you sure all your chicks are getting a chance to eat? Sometimes the stronger ones don't allow the others to eat.

 

[abanjaf]

I think their cramped quarters could definitely be playing a role in the pecking. Don't give up on them! Get them moved outside and continue handling them to keep them socialized (supervised with your son, of course). They will soon learn that you are the bringer of all good things and come running when they see you! I had one little EE chick that pecked everything and everyone in site. Thought seriously about getting rid of her, but decided to give her a chance. She is now full of personality and quite a mischief-maker in the flock. Wouldn't part with her now! Good luck!

 

[keeko]

OMG, my 2 Barred Rocks are exactly the same way! I have 12 chicks, and my Barred Rocks are really the only ones that I would call "aggressive." When they peck, they are certainly looking for something, like pecking at the freckles on my arm, and that sort of thing, but it's hard and it hurts! The other chicks will do the same lightly once, but when they realize I'm not edible they stop. The BR's do NOT stop. So weird.

Where did you get them? Mine are McMurray Hatchery chicks, about 3.5 weeks old right now.

Anyway, I'm trying not to worry about it, I still hold them twice daily as I do with the others, and give them treats and fruit and such. They are definitely the first ones to push everyone out of the way to get to the treats!! There's not much I can do I figure; just give them love, attention and treats like the others!

 

[nanawendy]

Two of my 5, 4 week old BR's are a little bossy. I thought ...pecking order???

 

[Chicken Paradise]

I wonder if these aggressive chicks are from the same hatchery...the same strain?

 

[trase]

We had to dispatch some 8 week old White Rocks a couple of weekends ago because they were very ill-tempered birds. They had been handled and socialized as much as the other chicks they arrived with (Buff Orps, Welsummers, and RIR) but man, they were ornery! They were drawing blood on the other birds, pulling feathers, and drew blood on me more than once. Very aggressive and nasty little things. My other chickens are all very well behaved and friendly. So you may have just ended up with a bunch that are mean little buggers. Sorry to hear it!