Mean chick discipline?

[amama]

I picked up 20 chicks at the farm store 6 days ago. Some were older than others at the time, and the size difference is there for sure. One breed has about 5 feisty chicks (out of 10), and 1 of those is just downright mean. She isn't harming any chicks but won't let any others roost on the 18" bar! She almost tosses the smallest ones away from the food or water, and pecks us anytime we go to handle them or anything in the brooder. When she's moving around they're all flighty and unsettled. I've never had a mean chick or even dominant one at this age and I'm guessing it'll only get worse?
Is there something I can try, or it's just what it is?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Sounds like a little cockerel. Fold your fingers and thumb together and "peck" it on the head, like mama hen would do. If it repeats the behavior or comes at you, repeat. Continue till the behavior stops. Good luck!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

You also might separate it for a few days (to several days) to give the other chicks a chance to build up confidence and let the "pecking order" reorganize. When you put this one back in, it should be at the bottom, not the top. See if that helps.

 

[amama]

I'll try the head pecking first as I don't have supplies for a 2nd brooder to separate him.

Would you also do it when it's toward the other chicks, or just leave that alone? Thanks

 

[BigBlueHen53]

If he's keeping the other chicks from food and water, I definitely would.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

What breeds are they?

 

[amama]

I have several breeds in the brooder, but the meaner ones are Sapphire Gems. All the research said they are sweet and docile, but I've seen people's posts that say otherwise and I would agree!

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I’ve never had Sapphire Gems but my mom has some she says are completely bananas

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Oh wow! I don't have any SG roosters but my SG hens are sweethearts.