I have a bully, what now?

[Branch Chickens]

Since the topic came up, here's the appropriate rule.


Rule #4 Do not promote other websites that are "similar" to BackYardChickens, especially similar forums. Sometimes it may be appropriate to link to another site that has specific information relative to a question, but moderators have to right to remove links and posts at their discretion.


Here are the full Rules for anyone's review. Privacy/TOS

The system catches many posts with links to outside sources. It is automated.

Is that link to the blog okay?

 

[JNorth]

With my older girls I've had to pin them down a number of times to remind them who is boss. I kind of did the same thing with the chick and so for so good. Maybe she was just in a bad mood at the time but for right now things are peaceful again. For now.

My chicks are mixed, BSL and New Hampshires. The hope is that they will eventually be joining our older RSL.

 

[SusanPC]

My chicks are just over 3 weeks old. I don't know if this is going to be a recurring problem with my chicks, but yesterday I went home for lunch from work and after I'd been there a few minutes, there was quite a racket of distress-peeping and flapping/running around coming from the brooder. I went over and watched and saw one of my chicks chasing another and pecking her and jumping on her quite aggressively. When they saw me, they stopped, later when I heard the racket again, I went over and she was chasing and pecking a different chick. I added some branches, a cup of chick grit (I usually just sprinkle it around), and took them outside for some playtime later that evening (and checked them all for blood/wounds). They all seem okay and I don't want to interfere with normal pecking-order behavior. I wonder if it helps with aggression and keeps them from focusing on each other if they have activities to do and get enough energy out of their system exploring an area outside of their brooder. I understand that there will be squabbles and fighting as they establish their order, so I will keep my eyes open for any wounds or any bird that might be too aggressive. I like the idea of separating the offender for a while if he/she is drawing blood from other chicks.

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

Larger brooder.