baby chicks 4 weeks old

[fluffyshix]

Today i went to check on the babies and they have been pecking at each other , i have checked for any bugs nothing i change everything daily and change water at least once a day , why are they doing this and what can i do ? do i separate them I have a total of 25 in a long wire rabbit cage not sure of the measurements but we have had chicks in there before and did fine ? confused

 

[Eggcessive]

What are the measurements of the cage? I raise 25 chicks in a 4 ft X 4ft brooder on the floor, and after 3 weeks, that becomes too small. At 4 weeks they are beginning to start arranging their pecking order, so a little pecking is to be expected. But I would make sure they have plenty of room to spread out, and if you are using heat, make sure of the temperature that it is not too hot.

 

[fluffyshix]

This is what we have used in the past , it is 46.9x22.8x24 inches , we even have had guineas in this should i take the ones that are injured out to a different area.... do you think it might be that they are all hens?

 

[fluffyshix]

it is 46.9x22.8x24 inches we use it cause it enclosed, do you think this is happening because they are all hens ?

 

[junebuggena]

it is 46.9x22.8x24 inches we use it cause it enclosed, do you think this is happening because they are all hens ?

It's because they are too crowded. They are getting to the age when they begin to establish their pecking order. They need at least 2 sq ft per chick at this point. Currently, they only have 1/3 of a sq ft per chick. WAY TOO SMALL.

 

[fluffyshix]

i am about to separate them to two groups.. thank you

 

[fluffyshix]

Separated babies and proud to report pecking has ended and everyone is good ,ones that were pecked are healing just fine . Thank you for the advice

 

[Eggcessive]

That is good news. At such a young age, they grow so fast they almost heal before your eyes. Thanks for the update.