My chicks are pecking each other.

[Susanv47]

My new chicks are pecking each other so badly that they almost killed one. My husband had to separate him from the rest so he could heal up. What causes this and how can stop it?

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Sorry about the problems you are having with your chicks. Overcrowding is a common cause of pecking. How old are they? How many do you have and how big is the space? Do they have plenty of food and water and are they eating and drinking well? If you are using a white light as a heat source, you probably want to switch to a red light bulb, it seems to keep chicks calmer. Here is a nice BYC article on bullying behavior in general. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/bullying-behavior-in-chickens

 

[TwoCrows]

Kelsie X2. You need to give them more room 1/2 square foot per chick. Make sure they all have access to the water and feed. And you may have your heat too high. It is common for chicks to fight when they are over heated.

So more room, more feeding and water stations if needed, and lower the heat.

Welcome to BYC!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC - what type light are you using for heat?

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

 

[Susanv47]

A 75 watt heat lamp.

 

[Susanv47]

They are doing much better now that they are in a larger box and are outside.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Glad to hear they are doing better, they do grow so fast, hopefully spring will be here for good soon and they can stay outside.

 

[gander007]

 

[Susanv47]

i put a red light over them and they are much calmer now. Moved them outside to the coop. they are being sequestered for a few days then they will get to go outside in the pen until they are bigger.