Pecking problem

[Blueberryfairy]

This is our fourth flock, and I haven't ever seen this behavior before. We just received our chicks early yesterday - five each Buff Orpington, Speckled Sussex, Americaunas, Blue-laced Wyandottes and Cuckoo Marans (although one of the Orpingtons was dead on arrival). Last evening, I noticed that one of the chicks was aggressively pecking at the eyes of any nearby chicks. I isolated him (I'm assuming it's a him) for the night. This morning, l let him out, and almost immediately he began again. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[smedly9921]

I am assuming that they are still very young as you said you just got them. It sounds like they are very curious and board even. Do they have plenty of food and water and something to do. Make sure they have a roosting bar to play around on. May be one of those cabbage cages. When chickens are board they peck. Especially young ones.

 

[TOP KNOT]

This is our fourth flock, and I haven't ever seen this behavior before. We just received our chicks early yesterday - five each Buff Orpington, Speckled Sussex, Americaunas, Blue-laced Wyandottes and Cuckoo Marans (although one of the Orpingtons was dead on arrival). Last evening, I noticed that one of the chicks was aggressively pecking at the eyes of any nearby chicks. I isolated him (I'm assuming it's a him) for the night. This morning, l let him out, and almost immediately he began again. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[TOP KNOT]

As you have had chicks before I am assuming that you are using a red heat bulb. White light seems to cause more stress and picking. If protein is low in their diet this is also a reason for picking. If lots of treats are givin this can lower the protein ratio of feed. Boredom is another cause, give them stuff to do. I put alfalfa in here and there to scratch in and made a mash with their crumbles as they loved it so much(same food just add water) I made little perches out of 1''x3'' boards for them to sit on. I just think how they act outside and try to create that in the brooder so they feel at home and content. Seems chickens are always looking and scratching for something to eat. I had a small pan in with them that I put in alfalfa and crumbles mixed so they could dig for their food.If the little rat won't quit his picking he may just be a little bully. I had one that acted that way, I fed him some soy meal (high protein) every other day for a few days and he has seemed to cool it. Good luck

 

[TOP KNOT]

Oops I went to put more chips in my smoker and hit quote again when I came back and I can't fix my quote quote. Oh well

 

[Blueberryfairy]

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[mamahen1980]

i had one of my chicks picking fights also but a couple of days of separation from the others and he gladly welcomed the comfort of the group back and seems so much easier to handle now too. im hoping it stays that way

 

[Blueberryfairy]

I have isolated the little dickens since day one - I've tried to re-integrate him three times, and each time, he starts the aggressive behavior again within a few minutes of being let out. I may end up just keeping him separate permanently, and making him the first chicken dinner.

 

[Blueberryfairy]

I have isolated the little dickens since day one - I've tried to re-integrate him three times, and each time, he starts the aggressive behavior again within a few minutes of being let out. I may end up just keeping him separate permanently, and making him the first chicken dinner.