I have 4 Buff Orps almost 3 weeks old and 2 Light Brahmas just over a week old. All female (I think). The bigger Orps are starting to get.. I don't know if aggressive is the right term but I guess so. They fly at each other and bump into each other (not really pecking each other). I think they're starting to think about doing it to me, too, when I reach in there. They peck at the scooper when I am scooping their poop out.
I was told to handle them, the more the better. But do I insist on it if they hate it? What if they try to peck me? I swear one was going to peck me today when I tried to grab her. How much should I handle them? I try to pick each of them up at least once per day but I only hold them for a few seconds (maybe 10) because the whole time they want to get away.
I keep them in their brooder all the time at this rate since it's too cold to bring them outside for adventures (it's still below 60 here), but as soon as the temps rise I'll be taking them outside in a little play pen to let them peck around and be able to sit with them. I thought those breeds were supposed to be pretty docile so I'm not sure if their behavior is just normal chicken behavior for even docile birds or what. I am such a newb!
I was told to handle them, the more the better. But do I insist on it if they hate it? What if they try to peck me? I swear one was going to peck me today when I tried to grab her. How much should I handle them? I try to pick each of them up at least once per day but I only hold them for a few seconds (maybe 10) because the whole time they want to get away.
I keep them in their brooder all the time at this rate since it's too cold to bring them outside for adventures (it's still below 60 here), but as soon as the temps rise I'll be taking them outside in a little play pen to let them peck around and be able to sit with them. I thought those breeds were supposed to be pretty docile so I'm not sure if their behavior is just normal chicken behavior for even docile birds or what. I am such a newb!