My new chicks are not like the others......

[PortlandCityChicks]

I just got a new batch of chicks, my second. The first batch (5 hens) is nearly two. They are healthy, laying well, etc. So I decided to mix up the age a bit and introduce some new girls this summer. I have 2 Rhode Island Reds, 2 Silver-Laced Wyandottes, and an Australorp. They were purchased at a feed store from a mail order package at like 4 days old. I have learned a little in the last 2 years and this time, I found a source of local babies...no postal service included. I got three Barred Plymouth Rocks, because they should be about the same size as the older girls. They are 8 days old, seem really healthy, and all that. BUT, they are also a LOT more aggressive than the other chicks. They peck each other, fight over access to the feeder, and one has pecked every member of our family while being gently held. I don't know whether to be concerned or not. Any thoughts?

Thanks!!!

 

[PunkinPeep]

I am surprised that your barred rocks are so aggressive. The only thing i can say is to give them time and handle them every day to help them get used to you. Remember that every bird has its own personality, and sometimes there are anomalies that don't fit the normal profile. Also, baby chicks are sometimes a little flighty just because they're nervous. They may grow out of this in a week or two.

 

[felidaet]

Do you have the brooder at the proper temperature (95 degrees)? If you are using a white heat lamp you might try switching to a red one. And I agree with the other reply, give them some time and try to handle them lots.

 

[PortlandCityChicks]

My heat lamp is at 95, they have everything they need....my hubby made them a little perch last night that they just LOVE falling off of....they are just really aggressive. I'm just going to have to spend a lot of time cuddling, I guess. And at least they might do better standing up to my slightly edgy RIRs who rule our coop!

 

[PunkinPeep]

My barred rocks are generally very gentle birds, but i was delightfully surprised when i integrated them together with some older rir cockerels. The female br's were about 3 or 4 weeks old, and the rir cockerels were about 3 1/2 weeks older. Two of the br's walked right up to the head rir and pecked him in the eye. They had no problems after about the first five minutes. She was just letting him know what's what.

 

[lemurchaser]

My barred rocks have always had the best personalities, they were bold, but never aggressive. Are you sure they are pullets? I have some young male chicks and they can be a lot more feisty. My chicks all peck my hands, its the way they explore the world, but they do settle down when I'm holding them. I would just handle them a lot. Offer them mealworms by hand (that is how I bribe my chicks to not be afraid of me), show up with treats, etc and soon they'll be your buddies.