Do baby chicks peck?

[MJ22]

I have 3 baby chicks about 3.5 weeks old. They are separate from my flock with a pullet about 3 months old. The older girl is super sweet and snuggles up with the chicks, however a few days ago I noticed the older one had a little cut in her comb. Yesterday it was bloody. I cleaned it and sprayed it with antiseptic. Today it was worse! I did run out and get blue-kote for it. But I was wondering... would they babies do this?! Hopefully it heals now. Cause I’d hate to separate them. Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Is there anything it can stick it's beak through? Fence? Feeder?

 

[MJ22]

Is there anything it can stick it's beak through? Fence? Feeder?

They are in our small coop. It’s one that has roosts on top and the bottom is a run. The nesting boxes are to the side and raised. So the bottom is wire. About 1/4 inch openings. The small coop is in the large run so the flock and see them and get used to them. I’m wondering if it sat too close to the fencing and one of my older girls got her. But they were out of the run free ranging all day. So I’m thinking it’s the babies?!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would think the bigger birds. Chicks can peck, but generally don't draw blood.

 

[MJ22]

I would think the bigger birds. Chicks can peck, but generally don't draw blood.

Thanks! That kinda makes me feel better. I was worried i had some mean ninja chicks! But maybe I need to put some extra fencing along the bottom. Hopefully the blue kote helps too!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It's also possible it's getting it's beak rubbed by sticking it through the wire on the bottom.

 

[MJ22]

It's also possible it's getting it's beak rubbed by sticking it through the wire on the bottom.

I’m sorry... I’m not following? The beak isn’t injured. There is an noticeable bump on her comb now. It’s in the middle of the comb too. So I’m not sure what you mean.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I get it now. Can you post a picture? I was thinking there was a wound on the beak. You post clearly says comb. Can she stick her head through the fence so other can get her?

Sorry for my confusion.

 

[MJ22]

I get it now. Can you post a picture? I was thinking there was a wound on the beak. You post clearly says comb. Can she stick her head through the fence so other can get her?

Sorry for my confusion.

Ha! No worries. No there is no way she can stick her head out the squares of the fencing are maybe 1/4 inche. I put blue kote on it. So it just looks like she’s got a cool new hair style. But I’ll post a pic when I can!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Well than I was wrong and it would have to be one of the chicks. One must be more vigorous than the rest? Maybe the comb looks like food? It was a long weekend here.