New chick Getting picked on

[autumnlchick]

So I just bought four mixed aged silkie and showgirl chicks who were raised togather from hatch, and they get along perfectly, but a couple days later added a "game" chicken baby that is the same size as two of the others. When I put her in with them I've been watching and noted my showgirl that's the same size is peeking at her neck and face, and even pulled a tiny feather. The others seem to see her as just one of them, however I'm concerned about the showgirl chick bullying the newer baby. The new baby just crouches down and takes it from the show girl, but took a peck at the silky chick that's the smallest after the show girl walked off as if she felt the need to get a peck at somebody after. I dont want any of the chicks getting hurt. yall think that this will ebb as they settle? It's only been about 7 hours since they were introduced, and I know even chicks start a pecking order, but this seems to be simple dislike on the part of the showgirl chick, she can't walk near her without taking a go at the new chick.I'm guessing they are about 2 weeks old.

 

[Pork Pie]

It may be worth separating the brooder so that the new addition can get access to food and water

 

[autumnlchick]

I'm thinking I may have to! I have never saw a bully so young! And a showgirl to boot!

 

[azygous]

It's normal to peck at a newcomer. But if the "greeting pecks" turn into chronic bullying, you can stop it by disciplining the culprit(s) with a quick poke to their back with a finger tip.

You could also read my article I wrote for BYC on this subject linked below for more tips.

 

[aart]

I use a 'chick jail' made out of 1/2" hardware cloth to put over the bully chick right in the brooder for a little time out.
Just stick the 'bad' chick under the chick jail for 30 minutes or so.
The others can laugh and jeer at it, even climb up top and poop on it....lol.
Then let the 'bad' chick out and it's usually more interested in food and water then picking any more fights.
Might take a few trips to 'solitary' before it gives up it's vile habits.
But it's worked very well for me.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

A big, maybe the biggest part of the pecking order is who gets to socialize with who., for how long and under what conditions. So it is 100% natural for the high ranked bird to peck or peck at a lower ranking chick when they cross paths.