help!!

[Rooster1235597]

I have 5 baby chicks about 5 days old, and it would seem we have a bully!!! He/she will not stop pecking the other ones and is really annoying me!! I do not know what type of breed it is because I have an assorted bunch but I will try to get a pick up of the scoundral!!! What should I do the crys for help of my babies is making me sad

 

[froggie71]

Do you have them under a red light? This really does help with pecking.

 

[The Lisser]

I am new to chickens but I have cared for quail for years. I would say that you should try reducing the light and if possible giving the chicks more room? I also have read that adding vitamin A to the diet is helpful in adult birds, but I don't know about babies. I am sure more experienced folks will have better advice.

Good luck!

Melissa

 

[Rooster1235597]

Right now I have a normal light on them, but I do have a red light but it is 75 wat, is that enough for them? I also havw them in a ten gallon tank so should I move them to the 30 gallon one I have here? Or is it fine??

 

[rebecky1305]

I would go ahead and move them to the bigger tank if you can. Also set up the bigger tank with the red bulb first and check the temp with a thermometer. That will tell you if the 75 watt bulb is enough.

 

[froggie71]

I would definitely get them into the bigger tank and use the red light. Hopefully you can adjust your light to a level that will get the temp where you need it.

 

[omelet du fromage]

I had the same situation with my new chicks during the first week. It was just one chick constantly running around pecking the other five. She did not concentrate on any one chick, she spread around her beak of terror evenly. Also, she was the only one doing this. When I expressed concern on this message board, I was assured by the veterans that it was nothing more than the pecking order being established. A week later now, and the pecking has stopped. This chick is clearly the leader and boldest of the group. Good luck!