Introduced them to a stick today

[mamatink7]

Changed brooder box shavings and adding a part of a branch for learning to perch. It's soooo cute to see them.
However when one of the comets or buffs are up there, one of the Black Australorps pecks the others eye.
Is this normal and how do I stop it?

 

[azygous]

Read my article on disciplining an aggressive chick. It's the last of the four linked below under "Articles".

 

[mamatink7]

Thank you. I've been trying to find it. Still new here and learning to navigate.

 

[realsis]

Eye pecking IS normal for very young chicks. I found it stopped on its own in my flock. When they are very young a shining eye is interesting to them. Especially on the lighter color chicks because the eye stands out more against the lighter color. I've found they QUICKLY outgrow this. However if you feel the need to discipline the offending chick you can take your finger and "peck" her with it. Showing her that the behavior is wrong and will not be tolerated by you "momma hen". You can use this form of discipline in any situation with the chicks that needs corrected. I hope this helps and best wishes.

 

[mamatink7]

Eye pecking IS normal for very young chicks. I found it stopped on its own in my flock. When they are very young a shining eye is interesting to them. Especially on the lighter color chicks because the eye stands out more against the lighter color. I've found they QUICKLY outgrow this. However if you feel the need to discipline the offending chick you can take your finger and "peck" her with it. Showing her that the behavior is wrong and will not be tolerated by you "momma hen". You can use this form of discipline in any situation with the chicks that needs corrected. I hope this helps and best wishes.

thank you. It kind of seems hypocritical as I'm trying to get them to come to me, to turn around and peck at them BUT I understand it may have to be done. Did you have to do this for yours to stop?

 

[mamatink7]

Oh yeah didn't add in last response.. I've been picking the 'pecker' chick up and removing her for a minute or even just moving her from that perching area....

 

[azygous]

Did you see those BLUE links just below what I wrote in my post above? (Also below this one) You don't have to go all over "hunting" for it. It's right there in the window with my post.

Here it is in case you still don't see it. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/aggressive-baby-chicks-and-how-to-stop-the-behavior

 

[mamatink7]

Did you see those BLUE links just below what I wrote in my post above? (Also below this one) You don't have to go all over "hunting" for it. It's right there in the window with my post.

Here it is in case you still don't see it.  https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/aggressive-baby-chicks-and-how-to-stop-the-behavior

Thank you my friend. I did see your response from yrs ago for same issue but I got this link you gave me. This helps tremendously.
Is it bad if I remove her from situation or take her out for extra attention?

 

[azygous]

Removing a chick or even an adult chicken from its flock unit should be done only as an extreme measure (illness, injury, really awful behavior) since it alters the "pecking order". Chicken society is a very delicate thing and any change can alter it, and getting an equilibrium back is not easy.

Taking your problem chick out for a few minutes isn't going to hurt anything. But do give the "poke" therapy a try. You'll see it accomplishes the objective in a very short time. You don't have to spend more than a few minutes a few times during the day at it to see a huge difference. This isn't just my experience, I've had lots of reports that it's amazingly effective.