Another dumb question !!!! Sorry !!!!

[swtangel321]

I got 15 chicks today and noticed that one of them is a real b**ch.... she pecks the other really bad, like pecks..... grabs a hold of them and drags them around.... MEANY!!!!!! Will this be a problem as she gets older ??? And is there anything I can do about it ?? Will she kill the others ???

 

[chiknlady]

Hi--you didn't mention how old the chicks were--but you are describing natural behavior for chickens--its the pecking order. The more dominant animals will show the others who is the boss very early on. Unless you see it draw blood--I wouldn't worry. Be on the look out for toe pecking or other forms of cannibalism. When chicks get bored the pecking is worse--so make sure they have adequate space in their brooder. Good luck!

 

[dixiechick]

I have heard putting half a cabbage in with the birds will deter cannibalism too....never tried it, though.

 

[luvzmybabz]

I had a roo chick that was becoming just plain mean to the other birds and to me when I went to feed. I had another set of chicks about 5 to 6 weeks older so I put meany in with them, Older nicer roo taught him a few lessons and now he is much more mellowand they are now all intermingled in the layer flock. I am glad because I can not keep a mean roo ( my kids help with the animals) and I have already had to sell 1 pair due to mean roo charging however was trying to feed and water and actually got a couple of shots in on hubby, I was lucky I was able to sell instead of bury him after he got my hubby.

 

[swtangel321]

Quote:
opss sorry, i got them as day old chicks from a hatchery, so about 3-4 days old !!!!

 

[swtangel321]

Thanks everyone !!!!!

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I have a serama boy who likes to drag the D'uccles around by the head. When I see him be have like this I seperate him into a little box by himself for about 1/2 hour and then put him back. It has worked! I had to do this three times. I have not seen him drag his "buddy" around by the head again. They don't like being alone!

 

[CathyB]

Quote:
Glad I don't have a "buddy" like that!!

I had some problems when my chickens got older with feather pulling. My one poor RIR had no tail! Adding another box to the brooder to make it twice the size it was helped. They all had more room~! I tried to separate the hurt ones but they just flew out of the brooder and back into the other brooder with their sisters!