Evil Aggressive chicks

[denasfarm]

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They acted a bit better BUT it was a strange environment so it may pick up again in a day or so. The two larger ones were still bullies but the lesser bullies could get away. My old roo is being a good supervisor. I also added a crippled older RIR hen that can help watch them.
Not really a position for a bunch of mixed roos other than dinner. They are loud and will rape the hens until they are bare of feathers. Most Hatcheries kill their extras. At least mine will go to a use. Ive just never seen such young chicks be so aggressive...however Silkies are rarely aggressive.
The goal was hearty hens that are self suffient and aware free rangers not a flock of roos. Of the 40 original eggs only about 17 hatched, a couple died early on. You figure a 50/50 ratio on hens to roos but hope for more hen chicks. Unfortunately I have ended up with at least 10 roos in this batch...maybe more. I was hoping for a doz hens.

 

[SycolinWoodsChickens]

There must be something in the air this year. We are having aggression problems with our birds this year too.

We have 24 in a brooder with at least 5 roos this time - last year it was only one. We are having a lot of issues with feather picking and pecking. Much, much more than last years group.

I've changed lights to have a cooler brooder, turned off the overhead lights, closed the blinds, given them a sand box, treats to dig for in the shavings and we still have a group that is terrorizing everyone. I even caught a baby roo side stepping another bird today!

My DH and I have decided to separate the roos in 2 weeks and send them all to freezer camp when they are big enough.

We need a roo but would prefer to get one from a breeder who has bred for good behavior. I'm not going to subject my hens to the little bullies in my current group.

 

[denasfarm]

mother o' chicks72 :

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if your rooster can straighten them out then there wont be a need to cull them will there? I mean, it was your mistake for breeding the little devils and it's not their fault their parents weren't a good match, I know you just wanted hardier birds but don't you think you should have researched it more?

Even if my rooster makes them into little angels I do not need nor wish to hear ten extra roosters crowing. I like home grown chicken, grow meaties for the freezer sometimes when I have room. Maybe keep one of the milder ones for a roo and the rest have to go. Just part of growing chickens. If they all end up bad temperered theres not much lost but time...and my freezer will be full. So it will all be OK in the end and I will try again with something else.​

 

[mother o' chicks72]

you know they might not all be roos. you might have really er-bitc*y hens.