Chicks Attacking or Picking on One Another

[bcmama]

Just curious. All of my chicks seem to get along great. I have four week and a half year olds (2 EE and 2 BR) and 2 four day old silkies. I put the silkies in the same brooder watching out to make sure they didn't get picked on and everyone gets along fine. I have heard stories of chickens picking on one another and was wondering if that is to come as they get older or if they don't do it as young chicks they probably won't do it at all? Anyone know? Thanks

 

[countrygoddess]

They may do it if they get bored. And once someone has a red spot, it'll attract a lot of attention and more pecking will happen. I had 32 chicks in a brooder together and mostly they were fine, but when they got bored and pecked at each other (mostly is seemed to be on the shoulder or elbow joint of the wings as the fuzz thinned out and skin was visible before they completely feathered out) I put in sticks for them to climb around and practice roosting on and a couple of hanging Baby Cakes by Farmer's Helper ( http://www.wildbirdsuets.com/foragecakes/babycake_lg.htm ). That made all the difference.