Pecking Chicks? Picture!

[dodson]

We have 5 Silver Laced Wyandotte's. They are nearing 3 weeks old this Wednesday. We are around them all the time and have noticed that one of them, the larger bird named Georgia, is very aggressive toward the other chicks. She often pecks at the others and stands up with wings flapping and kinda "chest bumps" the other birds. Is this something we should do anything about? Is this normal from females or should we worry that she may be a roo? We bought pullets but understand there is like a 10% chance of getting a roo.

Any input is helpful! We are new to backyard chickens! This is our first flock!

 

[lady feathers]

Pullets will chest bump and peck too.... all chickens have to find out where they belong in the pecking order, sounds like yours (pullet or roo) has decided she is at the top of the order. As long as it isn't getting out of hand (relentless, causing injur, missing feathers, etc...) it's normal. Don't be afraid though to mock peck at her if she is getting out of hand to sho her she isn't at the very top of the pecking order she still answers to you. There are some reason for pecking though.... they may be too cramped for space, too hot (make sure they have room to get away from the heat source), boredom, etc... make sure to address allof these issues. You could also switch to a red bulb if you aren't already using one (they are supposed to reduce stress and picking vs. using a white one). And if she does draw blood it won't show up as well under a red lamp. If all that seems fine, I wouldn't worry too much some birds are more aggressive than others.... if she continues to get worse as she gets older you may want to cull her from your flock and rehome.

I do have a GLW roo that started acting extra spunky at about 3 weeks, .... doesn't mean you have one.... but it's still not acceptable to be a bully!

 

[DoverChick]

I'm pretty new to this too, but I don't think there is anything to worry about unless someone is missing feathers or bleeding. I am having a pecking problem right now but we are talking missing feathers and blood. Then they just keep going after that same spot. I've had to separate for a short period and use blu-kote (purple spray).

Welcome to BYC!