Pecking on the head is a right of passage, so to speak, among baby chicks greeting a newcomer suddenly appearing among them. Usually, one peck and it's over.
Since the older chicks have already had time to see and get used to the new chick, I would place the new chick in with the rest and watch them. Try not to intervene unless they all start thrashing the small chick. Usually, one bold chick will greet the new one with a peck on the head, and then they will then all go about their business.
If you see one chick continually attacking the small one, give it a peck on the back with your finger. This is usually enough to convey that its behavior is unacceptable. Repeat if necessary. The chick should stop going after the small chick after a few pokes. But the new chick may just surprise you by assimilating very quickly.
You can also minimize making a big deal out of having a new chick among them by introducing them to meal worms at the same time. This will take the focus off the chick and diffuse their attention to something much more exciting.
If you haven't introduced the chicks to meal worms yet, offer them some chick grit or a clump of sod from your yard. Then drop one worm at a time into their midst and stand back and enjoy the result. It will be a terrific show!
Since the older chicks have already had time to see and get used to the new chick, I would place the new chick in with the rest and watch them. Try not to intervene unless they all start thrashing the small chick. Usually, one bold chick will greet the new one with a peck on the head, and then they will then all go about their business.
If you see one chick continually attacking the small one, give it a peck on the back with your finger. This is usually enough to convey that its behavior is unacceptable. Repeat if necessary. The chick should stop going after the small chick after a few pokes. But the new chick may just surprise you by assimilating very quickly.
You can also minimize making a big deal out of having a new chick among them by introducing them to meal worms at the same time. This will take the focus off the chick and diffuse their attention to something much more exciting.
If you haven't introduced the chicks to meal worms yet, offer them some chick grit or a clump of sod from your yard. Then drop one worm at a time into their midst and stand back and enjoy the result. It will be a terrific show!
