One REALLY Mean Chick!!!

[JudyH]

I purchased a dozen chicks yesterday afternoon from my local feed store. I've had to put one in "time out" (also referred to as "chicky jail") overnight. She's not larger than the other chicks either -- she's a little on the small size. But she's meaner than anything!

She will peck at the others eyes, peck at their toes then drag them across the brooder by their feet! I removed her last night because she just wouldn't stop. I haven't tried to put her back in with the other 11 chicks this morning yet because I'm afraid she'll just attack again. She is a "barred rock". She is picking on all of the other breeds of chicks including the other barred rocks.

I checked out all of the other chicks and one of the RIR has one of her eyes shut and it has some red around it. I believe this is from the barred rock pecking at her. I hope that she hasn't put one of the RIR's eyes out! Also, what do I do to help this RIR?

The dozen chicks I bought are 3 barred rock, 3 RIR and 6 Easter Eggers (but purchased as Ameraucans, Araucanas, whatever).

I was told that it was ok to mix these breeds together as chicks....

Am I doing the right thing by removing her and just keeping her separated? I just don't want to let her hurt the others. Why would just one chick be so aggressive? Could it be a roo or something? Or just a mean bird?

 

[Jenski]

Hmmm, could you take her back to the feed store?

 

[chickflick]

Sounds like a roo in the making.

 

[tulie13]

Quote:
Awww, poor RIR chickie!

Hopefully someone more knowledgable than me will chime in here, but maybe some antibiotic for the eye? I think they make antibiotic drops (Terramycin) for infected eyes, that might help keep from getting it infected if it is injured. Other than that, it will need time to heal. Good luck!

 

[chickflick]

Sorry, really didn't help you much or say

. It's ok to mix breeds. I've done it with no problems. Did have one that turned out to be a roo that was more aggressive, but not like your BR. I've haven't had to deal with injuries. I'd keep that one separated, which is sad cuz it'll be lonely. If you go to dlhunicorn.conforums.com you'll be able to find out what to do. Good Luck!

 

[bikergirl]

"She will peck at the others eyes, peck at their toes then drag them across the brooder by their feet!"

What a little butt nugget! I dont no what I would do, but some one on here must

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Get a red or blue heat light to put in their brooder box along with the heat lamp. This is supposed to keep them from picking each other.

 

[freddy22]

"What a little butt nugget" lol that made my day lol

You must get the devil out of that chick, that is satans chicken lol

 

[EweSheep]

I had a very aggressive Welsummer chick like that and I put him down immediately after he killed two of his siblings like that. He was pretty relentless after those eyes, beaks, feet and tails/butt holes.

Chickie jail sounds good to me but if you are short on space and only have him go at it again, then it would be up to you to rehome him or put him down. We dont like having a mean chick in the flock nor do we want to pass that trait down to the offspring.

Yep, a devil's child!

 

[lilchick]

If you have to keep it separate for a few days I have an idea on what to put it in.. I have used those little butterfly or bug cages that you can get at dollar store. Has netting on it and small enough to place in brooder with the other chicks. I place small thing of water and feed using canary cups or small rabbit cups in the container and let it chill out for a few days.... And just use antibiotic ointment like you use on cuts to grease the chicks eye. it should heal up quickly.
Also try Vics Vapo rub to discourage picking.. it tastes bad!