Bitey Chicks

[calebc311]

My 7 week old barred plymouth rock is extremely bitey. I know BPR's have a tendency to bite but she is extreme and bites at everything, from my hand to her perch and the walls.

Is there any way to control this behavior or will I have to just deal with it?

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

Does she have enough to occupy her? Enough room?

 

[calebc311]

She's still in the brooder, I plan to move her out as soon as I build the coop this weekend.

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

Mine were getting antsy by 4-5 weeks. By 5-6 weeks they were in the coop and free ranging all day. Maybe if you can let her outside a bit or give her more room? My barred rocks aren't bitey, but when they were in the brooder they did seem to get agitated toward the end.

 

[mysterychick]

I am no help at all as my experience with chickens is all of the 5 days since we received ours. I had to comment though as our Barred Rock is very pecky also! She is the only one in the group of 10 who instantly runs up and pecks our hands the minute we put our hands in the brooder. She doesn't seem mean or anything, but I guess maybe curious?? I wasn't expecting this from that breed either, from what I have read.

 

[subhanalah]

What I do when I get pecked is quickly put my hand over their back and gently push them to the ground (just enough that their legs fold beneath them) and wait for them to stop screaming and struggling. This teaches them that you are the dominant hen/rooster and they cannot peck you. The top can peck anyone below them, and no one pecks those above them. I know it sounds a little weird since they are only babies, but one of mine, I let peck me at first because I thought he was just being curious, then one day he got me good. Ever since then, I do not tolerate a peck, and they don't come often (if at all) anymore.

 

[gander007]

Sounds like your chicks are just ready to go outside for
some running around room