Chicken steals food from other hen

[DarleneE]

My Ameraucana hen takes food away from my Barred Rock hen. For eg I gave them some lettuce and she'd throw down whatever pieces I gave her and instead just chase the Barred Rock and take away hers. Is this normal with chickens? They're only 7 weeks old and I'm a new chicken owner.

 

[mrchicks]

It's completely normal. Each chicken always wants what the other one has. I spread treats out so that everyone has a fair chance at some, but they still chase each other around for what they think is the better goodie.

 

[DarleneE]

Oh thank you! I was kinda worried! Thanks so much!

 

[mrchicks]

I'm happy that I could help. When they are bigger and can run around outside, one will find a bug and the rest will be in hot pursuit for it. We call it chicken keep away.

 

[DarleneE]

That's just hilarious! At what age do you suggest letting them run around in the yard? My husband's building their coop. We're putting it in our screen porch though instead of the yard to be safer against predators and away from the elements. However I'm worried about how I'm gonna catch them once I let them out!!?? lol

 

[mrchicks]

As soon as they are fully feathered they can be out in nice weather. I start them in a "playpen" of chicken wire until they get used to following me. I teach them to follow by giving them treats by hand. Mine follow me everywhere if they are out. We look marvelous all walking to the mailbox and back according to my neighbor.

 

[ChaoticCritters]

I know whenever something "good" has been found because I'll see one chicken being hotly pursued by the other 19. Anything from a grasshopper to a live mouse.

 

[DarleneE]

That's so cute!! I bet it looks real cute!! I'd love to see that!! What type treats do you give them?? I just tried giving mine some lettuce, cheese and yogurt but all they would seem to go for was the lettuce and the Barred Rock hen, Daisy was the one coming to me to get it!! Then Olivia, my Ameraucana would steal it!! Heeeeheeeeee. Are they maybe too young still to know about eating treats?? They seem to just eat their feed well??!! I'm gonna look for some mill worms for them tomorrow or else some crickets.

 

[mrchicks]

I know whenever something "good" has been found because I'll see one chicken being hotly pursued by the other 19. Anything from a grasshopper to a live mouse.

And rarely does the chicken that found it get to eat it.

 

[DarleneE]

I know whenever something "good" has been found because I'll see one chicken being hotly pursued by the other 19. Anything from a grasshopper to a live mouse.