Mean Baby Chick

[Ravie]

I bought three baby chicks yesterday. They are BO, BR, and RIR. They have been sexed and are supposed to be pullets. The chicks are about 3-4 days old and the RIR is really mean. She is constantly pecking the others in the face, eyes and toes. Prior to this batch, I raised 25 chicks (my first time ever) and never noticed anything like this.

Any advice? I'd hate for her to grow up and stay nasty. I don't think that'll go over well when she joins the main flock.

 

[mother o' chicks72]

if they're 3-4 days than you don't have pullets, as for the mean one try holding her extra

 

[Ravie]

Do you mean that at 3-4 days old, I can't CALL them pullets, or are you saying you think I must have a rooster?

 

[mother o' chicks72]

well they're still chicks at 3-4 days old, they're pullets when they can be moved outside

 

[Ravie]

/nod
I get it. Well then. They're supposed to be females. How about that?

 

[mother o' chicks72]

yeah, ok. well yeah i think you might just want to hold the mean one more, of course all chickens have different personalities and she might just be trying to work out the pecking order.

 

[Ravie]

Will do. Might be humbling. What I really want to do is spank her fluffy little butt!

 

[mother o' chicks72]

haha, that might just make her all the meaner...

 

[chicmom]

At TSC, I just bought chicks and the label said "red pullets". Sooo, I think it must be ok to call them that.

I think that sometimes an agressive chick does come along. I wonder if you couldn't put in a clump of grass with the roots/dirt still connected to give them something to do--something to peck at.

I do this with my chicks. A friend give me the tip--it also helps keep them from getting pasty butt, plus, they just LOVE IT! They get so excited and they just eat it up! I know they eat some of the dirt and roots too.....I can't believe how healthy my chicks are!

They would actually do this if they were outside with mama hen......

Sharon

 

[Ravie]

Chicmom,

That's a wonderful idea. I'm huge on recommended puzzle toys for dogs and cats. Chicks need something to play with, too! Off I go to dig in the yard!