Pecking at the eyes

[Ridersutton]

One of my baby chicks decided that it would be fun to peck at the others toes. This is my first time, and there are only two chicks. From my reading, I found that they enjoy to peck at each others toes a bit, but this chick seemed to be doing it excessively, and last night she began pecking at the others eyes. Is this normal? I wouldn't think that it could be good for my other chick to have his eyes pecked... They were born just hours apart two days ago. How can I prevent this? I currently have them separated, but that puts them alone. Do chicks like being alone?

 

[SpiritedFarm]

no, chicks do not like being alone...give them a distraction, something else to peck at other than each other. How old are they?

 

[scratch'n'peck]

They don't really like to be alone. Try distracting them with other things to peck. some folks have suggested putting foil pie tins. Hopefully the sound wont drive you crazy. Maybe other members will have better suggestions.

 

[Ridersutton]

They are two days old. I did not think that they would like being alone. so far though, the only way I can stop the one from pecking the other is when I watch them and stopping the pecker. Otherwise, I haven't found anything else they can stay happy with pecking. So far I have tried rings, marbles, plastic cups and checkers pieces. I'll try the pie tin next.

 

[SpiritedFarm]

try a small piece of sod from the yard...cut a small square of grass, maybe 3" x 3". Put it in dirt side up...also some small sticks..some chicks like to pick them up and carry them around.

make sure you cut the sod from an area where no chemical fetilizers or pesticides have been used.

what are you using for bedding?

 

[Ridersutton]

currently I am just using paper towel for bedding. They did not take to the pie tin very well, and only played with some tin foil for a minute, and the yellow chick is still going after the brown ones eyes. I can try the sod and sticks next. At this point I can't keep them together at all...

 

[Ridersutton]

When I keep them apart, they mostly just lay around, or run around and look at things. As soon as I put them together in side the brooder, however, the yellow one ignores all else and goes for the brown one. Out side the brooder on the floor of my room while they're still together, the yellow one goes after the brown one a bit, but much, much less...

 

[PeepsAreForMe]

What if you tried putting them in the same brooder but separating them with some chicken wire - or something small enough that the pecker (LOL sorry) can't get the other one but they can see each other. And I would recommend putting pine shavings down on top of the paper towels. Have any pics? Good luck!

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I agree with Peeps - if you can rig something up where they can see each other but not peck, it would be good. Maybe even put one of them in a smaller clear container within the larger brooder. Hopefully they will get more used to each other.

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

I had a chick like that- ended up being a rooster. I'm not sure if it is a boy thing or not?