Aggressive week old chick

[wifeoferp]

Hi Everyone-

We just brought home our first chickens today. Three cute little girls, approximately 1 week old. We have a light brahma, a speckled sussex, and a black australorp. They were in separate pens at the store we bought them from.

The light brahma does not seem to be very nice. She is pecking at our fingers when we put them in the brooder, and pecking at the other two chicks. Not nice light pecks, but fairly aggressive.

Is this behavior I should be worried about? I don't want her to be pecking the other chicks forever.

Thanks-
Ginger

 

[Reurra]

I once read that overly energetic chicks can be worn out like overly energetic kids. Take her out and give her lots of stimulation, that might wear her out enough to leave the others alone.

I tried hatching for the first time this last March. One of my chicks, that i thought would not make it, was always more inquisitive and aggressive. Turns out hes a roo. At one month old he has wattles and a large comb, and is bigger than his 2 month old companion. He is a GLW/Blue Australorp cross. His daddy was a very manly man, so i think he will be too.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Might be a roo. Yes I have seen this in brand new chicks before, though, even pullets.

What I do is to hold them down gently after they peck me. Then release them. This shows them that you are the top chicken. As far as pecking the other chicks, I'd consider separating the bully for just a short while to see if when you reintegrate them it stops.

The chick will be terribly lonely though. You might give it a mirror to look into during this time. I would NOT tolerate vicious pecking, as it is a habit. A little bit of pecking is OK and normal.

Removing the chick lowers it on the pecking order. It IS possible to nip a bad pecking habit in the bud now.

 

[wifeoferp]

Well, good news, the little brahma has stopped pecking. I'm guessing it was just a reaction to new chicks and new circumstances after her move from the store to our house.

Thanks for the support!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Well, good news, the little brahma has stopped pecking. I'm guessing it was just a reaction to new chicks and new circumstances after her move from the store to our house.

Thanks for the support!

Great news!