Cockerals are fighting in brooder, what do I do?

[SpeckledPullet]

I have 4 cockerals (3 weeks old) that are fighting in the brooder. Do I need to worry about this? Are they okay as is or should I get rid of some of them? I planned on keeping one of the little roos, but if I get rid of the other 3, will the one left fight with the pullets? Help!

 

[bigredfeather]

I would make some popcorn and enjoy then entertainment. At that age, they are not really fighting, just learning to be adults. As long as nobody is getting hurt (by that I mean drawing blood) I wouldn't worry about it. I think it's cute to see their little shackles standing up and facing off. I often get one that thinks he's big stuff and tries to fight my thumb. Of course I provoke and poke back.

 

[muddyhorse]

do you have a white bulb or red bulb on them? the red is supposed to cut down on fighting.

 

[speckledhen]

They're sparring and testing their wings, so to speak. At about six weeks, they begin working out the pecking order, so it gets even more entertaining!

 

[ZaneyMama]

All 8 of my 5-week-olds are supposed to be pullets and they are fighting like crazy. There really need more space than they have so they can fly and run around more.

I have a red light on them - I think it's just their age. They stand up tall and then fly into their air and bump chests. Or one will roost on the water bottle and another will peck at her and pull her feathers and toes (not pulling them out, just pulling them to annoy the other one). It's funny to watch.

There are two (both the Barred Rocks) that are VERY dominant already and run and step on everyone else to get to treats I bring. They also peck at me like they're trying to attack me when I put my hand in. I just grab their beaks! LOL!

 

[emvickrey]

I wouldn't worry about it either. I always have some that spar like that. In some breeds that are hard to tell boy from girl the sparring pretty much singles out the little roos. I have had a little pullet that was a bully but it's mostly the cockreals. Right now it's free entertainment, when they get older and try to hurt each other it's another story. You'll have to separate them or rehome the ones you don't want. Young chicken is real good fried.