Take care of it right away! They probably need more space, first of all. Is there a brooder you have them in? I use cardboard boxes with some screens on top. But when they grow, they DO need more space. I add more box and connect them by cutting doorways and hooking them together with the flaps of cardboard left from the doorway.
Here is an
article with information on the amount of space chicks and chickens need. It's really info on building coops, with lots of helpful hints and details, but it includes info on how much space they need at different ages.
Adding some things in their brooder may help as well:
Try some
chicken toys, and add some red dots around the walls. The pecking chicks will most likely want to peck the red spots instead of their neighbors.
BYC has tons of information, but I really appreciate the articles written by members. They are also reviewed by other members, who sometimes have really helpful additions in the comments. You can browse the
Learning Center, (or just click on the Articles button in the top menu) but you can also search by topic.
To look for articles on your own:
A. Use the SEARCH button, but use the Advanced Search choice, and select ARTICLES at the top of the box. Just enter your keyword(s) and scroll through your results!
B. I find it helpful to notice the rating and reviews. All articles are by BYC members, and all the reviews/ratings are as well. The ratings help a newbie like me sort the most useful and reliable articles.
C. You can bookmark the articles or posts you think you want to refer to again using that bookmark icon at the top of articles or posts. You can find them again by clicking on your own avatar and looking at the list of bookmarks you have built up!
and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.
to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!
