I've got three chicks, now about 11 weeks old. They have been inseparable since birth until this morning.
Throughout the day, two of them have repeatedly broken out fighting, pecking at each other, drawing blood. I broke up one fight a little while ago, but the tension is thick out in the yard.
The largest of the 3 chicks is not involved in the actual fighting, but has clearly taken sides with one who is. When they aren't fighting, one is sitting by herself across the yard while the other one sticks close together with the largest chick.
I don't know what sex any of them are, so I don't know if their behavior makes sense in terms of gender roles.
I treated both chicks' facial wounds with Bactine earlier and I'm planning to apply some Neosporin, maybe before they go in the coop for the night.
My heart is breaking watching them hurt each other.
Any insight into what is happening and what I can do, either to help decrease their violent behavior or to keep them healthy while they go through this with each other, would be so greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much,
Heather
Throughout the day, two of them have repeatedly broken out fighting, pecking at each other, drawing blood. I broke up one fight a little while ago, but the tension is thick out in the yard.
The largest of the 3 chicks is not involved in the actual fighting, but has clearly taken sides with one who is. When they aren't fighting, one is sitting by herself across the yard while the other one sticks close together with the largest chick.
I don't know what sex any of them are, so I don't know if their behavior makes sense in terms of gender roles.
I treated both chicks' facial wounds with Bactine earlier and I'm planning to apply some Neosporin, maybe before they go in the coop for the night.
My heart is breaking watching them hurt each other.
Any insight into what is happening and what I can do, either to help decrease their violent behavior or to keep them healthy while they go through this with each other, would be so greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much,
Heather