Fighting?And some few other questions....

[LoveThemBirds]

I have 2 ducklings and six chicks.All in one tub together.It is big enough to fit at the most,13 more chicks to it.Apparently there is fussing going on between chicks and ducklings (sometimes even beating same kind up.)Usually the baby chicks will peck at the ducks eyes and the ducks will hit them with their bills or even bite.They have already even started dropping their wings at each other(Well the oldest girl,Special girl a Gold laced whyn.)The runner duckling (Little mrs.Runner),decided to get up and drink and eat.Well,she has grown a attitude and decided to beak and chess grab the chicks chess.She will also run the other bigger duckling around (a pekin named young thung,sister came up with it.)Any ideas?Is this pecking order?


Also,special girl is rolling on her side,and sometime s streching her wings,is this cocci?Or is it just tiredness?

 

[Bailey1204]

It might be. But from my experience chickens can be very particular. They usually won't tolerate poultry of another breed. Where they raised together? Or were they apart for a while? Also, how long had it been going on? If it is pecking order it should only go on for several days, a week or 10 days at the most.

 

[LoveThemBirds]

They were just put together today.We just got them today from a hatchery guy who bought them up to a family center.They cuddled in the car when I decided "well,might as well put them together..."I suspect the ducklings are a fed days old,and the chicks are ranging different ages.

 

[donrae]

Rolling on her side and stretching wings is dust bathing behavior. It's the bird's natural way of keeping clean.

Brooding ducklings and chicks together isn't usually a good idea. The ducklings make such a mess in the water and moisture can be deadly to chicks. You can combine them in the coop later if you have enough space, but they should be brooded separate.

 

[LoveThemBirds]

I guess I can split it off.The ducklings don't seems to make that big of a mess.....