New chick defending against older chick?

[tomato lady]

I just got 7 chicks today. I have my brooder in the small coop (8' x 6'). The brooder doesn't have a top on it, but it has a light and is warm. I have some older chicks in the coop outside the brooder. I have a light on for them too, even though they don't need it now. If I turn it off they jump in the brooder so it is easier to leave them with a light of their own.

Anyway, I put the chicks in the brooder today and one of my 8 week old chicks jumped in and pecked at one of my new chicks. That tiny baby jumped up and pecked at the agressor's face. I was surprised. Do you think that chick thought its mama was bringing a treat? Or, was it saying "Don't pick on me!"

 

[faykokoWV]

and so the pecking order begins!!

Any possibility the younger chick is a roo?

 

[tomato lady]

I don't think it is a roo. They were sexed at the hatchery, but there is always a chance. The baby is only about 5 days old. Maybe it will be "the queen" when it is grows up. Right now a Black Sex Link holds that title in the big coop.

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

I don't know why the little one would peck the bigger one. I hope you cover the brooder to prevent the bigger ones from getting in there and causing great harm to the little ones.