One-day-old Cannibal - HELP

[redblack10]

Golden Feather, you have given me more things to try, and , therefore, hope. Thank you! I will revamp the brooder - make it MUCH larger, pick up some Blu-kote, and keep trying. Even the "victims" are trying to snuggle with Bully, through the glass. I will post results tonight.

 

[redblack10]

Update on Bully, now 2 days old. I reintroduced her to the other 8 chicks, after scattering marbles and checking all chicks for evidence of wounds. She immediately started her aggression on the vents and eyes of the others. I tapped her each time, and she started to expect my tap, but she did not stop. The other chicks occasionally peck at each other, but it is very brief and almost affectionate. Bully seems interested only in pecking others. Her vent was a little soiled, so I washed it. She was preoccupied with grooming herself for about 10 minutes, then went back to pecking. She shows little interest in the curious wandering and investigation shared by everyone else. I think she is just not wired right. I will try a few more things, and will keep correcting her behavior, but I might need to make the hard decision tomorrow.

 

[lazy gardener]

Before you do that, I'd like to suggest that you try a little experiment. Try giving her, and only her some salt water. It should be the same percentage of saline as Normal saline that they would use for IV solution. I'll see if I can find the amount.

Here it is: 1 C H20 with 1/2 tsp salt. Dissolve well.

 

[redblack10]

Lazy Gardener - what an interesting tip. Please explain, and tell me if I can use it with my 3- and 4-year-old girls who occasionally get aggressive. I may not need to try this with Bully.

Last night, I quadrupled the space. Then, I spent a good bit of time watching Bully and using a thin stick to tap her or push her away, when she aimed for an eye or a vent. Just being a day older, the others could scoot away from "normal" pecks, so I did not correct those. She is a smart girl and seemed to learn quickly. Finally, a couple of the others started pecking at her! After much napping, they all started their adorable sprinting. I had to correct only a few pecks from Bully, and I started to get excited that she could stay with us. I will keep watching today, but I am optimistic!

 

[azygous]

That's terrific news! A lot of the time, more space can resolve aggression issues. Overcrowding is a major stress producer.

But problems such as this bully chick do resolved themselves in the first week. Hatchlings go through enormous stress from the point of coming out of their egg, being machine handled, tossed, rolled, sexed, tossed, rolled, shipped, bounced, bumped, chilled down, spilled out, driven home, and finally plunked into a little box in a strange home. Wouldn't you be slightly stressed out after all that?

 

[PapaChaz]

That's terrific news! A lot of the time, more space can resolve aggression issues. Overcrowding is a major stress producer.

But problems such as this bully chick do resolved themselves in the first week. Hatchlings go through enormous stress from the point of coming out of their egg, being machine handled, tossed, rolled, sexed, tossed, rolled, shipped, bounced, bumped, chilled down, spilled out, driven home, and finally plunked into a little box in a strange home. Wouldn't you be slightly stressed out after all that?

pretty much describes a commuter train or car pool ride home from work,

 

[redblack10]

I read your reply again, about your smallest, and wanted to comment that my Bully is the smallest of the 9 chicks. Interesting. How is your aggressive one, now?

 

[redblack10]

Azygous - No doubt!

You have provided me with a humbling moment - I have several degrees and tons of experience with critters, but I never thought about the sheer stress on these babies. As with everyone else's advice, THANK YOU for your support!

 

[yolksonus]

So glad your Bully chick is calming down! We picked up our chickies yesterday-4 days old. One started pecking at the others last night . I am going to try all the suggestions in this post so hopefully we can keep her.

 

[lazy gardener]

RedBlack: as per PM, I'm only flying by the seat of my pants here re: the salt water. Sounds like you've got the issue working it'self out with behavior training. Hope all works out well.