Bantam Attacks

[A Lucky Ladybug]

All 9 of my chicks have been in the same container since a few days old. They are now around 20 days old and my two bantams are starting to fight a LOT. The one is pecking the crap out of the other for no apparent reason. Why? How do I fix this? Does this mean she is a he? They rest are playing here and there but this one seems like a bully. These are my first chicks so I am very new to it all.

 

[sourland]

How large is the container: It sounds as if they may need more space.

 

[A Lucky Ladybug]

I was actually thinking about moving them into a (rabbit hutch) tonight that we have but they are in a big rubbermaid container. I was afraid to move them outside just yet with the weather even though they seem more than ready to get out and explore/forage.

 

[A Lucky Ladybug]

I just separated him or her and they are very clearly not happy with me, the noise level just tripled

 

[1muttsfan]

9 chicks 20 weeks old sounds like too tight a fit for a tub - they grow amazingly fast. Crowding leads to behavior like picking. Can you supply heat in the hutch? Is it substantially bigger than their current housing?

 

[A Lucky Ladybug]

They are growing really fast and yes I can add the heat lamp and point it at the hutch which I actually did this afternoon. As soon as the behavior started happening, I tried to act fast and get them in a new home. Problem I am seeing is that none of the others are having problems.

 

[A Lucky Ladybug]

Every time I re-introduce her this afternoon she heads right for the other bantam and grabs her by the neck

 

[whittychick]

They're 20 weeks old! They will be laying soon!! They need space...a lot of space!!! They will be fine without heating lamp...that could be provoking the pecking as well.

 

[A Lucky Ladybug]

They are 20 days not 20 weeks. I'm aware of when they lay and get that big. ..they are no bigger than a tennis ball maybe

 

[whittychick]

They are 20 days not 20 weeks. I'm aware of when they lay and get that big. ..they are no bigger than a tennis ball maybe

Ohhhh ok! Haha sorry! Must have read it wrong! I wonder what the problem is? Are you using a red light?