I think my chicks being picked o

[TheTwoRoos]

I have four cochin chicks. All somewhere around 3 months.

One is smaller then the other 3 and it seem healthy. I noticed tons of little black feathers around the floor, and in their cage so I just assumed she was molting, but then I noticed her perching and all of a sudden, the little cockerel jumps up and starts pulling feathers from her chest.

I haven't had to ever deal with bully chicks so im clueless on whether I should or shouldn't separate her.

 

[aart]

I would separate the feather picker, asap!

Then look at why you have an aggressor....How big is cage, what feed, etc etc, you know this stuff.
Might be he is not worthy of life.

 

[Pork Pie]

I agree with aart. Such behaviours are most likely a caused by stress and once learned, they are difficult to remedy. Other birds can mimic the behaviour, so removal of the culprit is top priority. This link may help you to identify what may be the cause(s).

http://articles.extension.org/pages...nibalism-in-small-and-backyard-poultry-flocks

 

[TheTwoRoos]

I looked at space.Honestly I do not think its enough,it's just a dog krate,food shouldn't be a problem.I'll look at separating for a few days then maybe,integrating again,see if status changes.

Should I put him with another pullet,one that he does not bully?

 

[aart]

I looked at space.Honestly I do not think its enough,it's just a dog krate,food shouldn't be a problem.I'll look at separating for a few days then maybe,integrating again,see if status changes.

Should I put him with another pullet,one that he does not bully?

No, I think you should provide adequate space for this quad, as that is the crux of the problem.
But where you keep your birds may depend on your goals.....I assumed that this was a breeding quad, but maybe not.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

No,I figured why not give cochins a try so I took four,and so far i'm enjoying them.

I have another cage,maybe I should split them up,and when I get reazdy to put them with our older chickens jus quad them up again?

 

[TheTwoRoos]

i will not be putting them with the older ones till probably beginning of feb.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Defiantly keeping the cockerel away from the little black chick,he just started crowing and is acting pretty cocky.Pretty for sure that may have also given him confidence.