Chicks fought today

[Brooklynfarmer]

This morning, I ran my usual routine clean the water and fill the feeder. My chicks have been eating a lot of the bedding, scratching around and eating little pieces. I heard a ruckus coming from the brooder and went to see what was happening. Goldie, my NH red had found a chunk of wood , and Stella, my Blue Easter Egger, wanted it bad. They ran around the brooder squawking and flapping each trying to secure this little piece of wood. I got a little nervous, as the wood was about the size of 1/4 toothpick and a little thicker. Goldie had it in her mouth and and would not let Stella have it, although she wanted it and they continued running around and screaming for about 3 minutes. I even tried to take it away afraid that Goldie would choke on it, but she wouldn't let me have it either. Finally, Goldie gobbled it up. I gave them some starter grit because i think they are eating enough of the bedding that they are going to need some grit in their crop to digest it. It all made me a little nervous, I would hope they get along. They are back to their quiet selves now, but i am wondering maybe my brooder is too small? maybe they are bored of their starter feed and looking for something different? they have grown so much, and only 2 days shy of 2 weeks old.

 

[darkbaysfordays]

Normal chick and chicken behavior. They forage, they scratch, they eat whatever looks new and exciting. I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[3KillerBs]

It's called "Chicken Football" when one has a really nifty treat and the others want it and start chasing the holder of the nifty treat.

I'm not a chick brooding expert, but that brooder does look rather small with hardly enough room for a chick to stand between the feeder and the waterer without pooping in the water while eating.

 

[Brooklynfarmer]

It's called "Chicken Football" when one has a really nifty treat and the others want it and start chasing the holder of the nifty treat.

I'm not a chick brooding expert, but that brooder does look rather small with hardly enough room for a chick to stand between the feeder and the waterer without pooping in the water while eating.

The little white dich is not normally there, but occasionally I find poop in their water and change it. Time to upgrade the brooder.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

It all made me a little nervous, I would hope they get along.

Take a deep breath, new chicken friend.. and welcome to BYC!

That wasn't fighting it was simply the joy of finding something fun and being chased sort of like flag football. It sounds intense and is great entertainment once you realize everything is okay!

Your chicks aren't eating the bedding (at least not likely an excess amount).. they are like infants that inspect everything by putting it in their mouths.

Your paper towel floor need to go. If they aren't under quarantine for Marek's vaccine.. bring in a clump of grass with dirt attached or a dish of dirt.. watch them have great fun bathing and foraging in it once their initial fright passes... Yes, they are looking for something different.. their brains are little curious sponges and they get bored pretty quick. Looks like a pretty nice brooder set up overall.. just sound like they may be ready for more enrichment is all.

ETA: the chick version of fighting is chest bumping with wings flapping.. and it's more of setting dominance than actually fighting.

 

[Brooklynfarmer]

Take a deep breath, new chicken friend.. and welcome to BYC!

That wasn't fighting it was simply the joy of finding something fun and being chased sort of like flag football. It sounds intense and is great entertainment once you realize everything is okay!

Your chicks aren't eating the bedding (at least not likely an excess amount).. they are like infants that inspect everything by putting it in their mouths.

Your paper towel floor need to go. If they aren't under quarantine for Marek's vaccine.. bring in a clump of grass with dirt attached or a dish of dirt.. watch them have great fun bathing and foraging in it once their initial fright passes... Yes, they are looking for something different.. their brains are little curious sponges and they get bored pretty quick. Looks like a pretty nice brooder set up overall.. just sound like they may be ready for more enrichment is all.

ETA: the chick version of fighting is chest bumping with wings flapping.. and it's more of setting dominance than actually fighting.

So, I upgraded the brooder and took your advice on adding dish of dirt, wow they went
nuts. thank you
Wish I could have posted the video, eventually both of them get in that dish together.

 

[Brooklynfarmer]

I am working on their house slowly, its coming along really nice.

 

[Ryguy3684]

Looks good. The chasing game is a blast to watch. When my 6 month old rooster gets a big enough bug, he struts around and clucks to show it off. They provide endless entertainment. I haven't watched TV in months.