Pecking until bloody

[Ruralchicks]

We have six chicks that are about five weeks old. Three are one breed type and the other three are from a smaller breed (we picked them out at the feed store at the same time). This afternoon I noticed two of the smaller chickens were pecked on their wings and on their newly emerging tail feathers. One was bloody while the other had a raw red spot. How do I stop the bullying? Is this normal or is the problem mixing chickens from different sized breeds? As this is my first time raising chicks, I'd greatly appreciate your advice.

 

[oberhaslikid]

Chicks love the color red if they see one drop of blood they will peck at it untill they kill the chick.
You can change the heat bulb to a red color one. Since you only have 6 chicks though it maybe too big.
I use a product called Blukote its a topical spray that is purple it covers the area and dyes the pecked place so they cant see the red.
You can get it at a feed store or Tractor Supply store.
Increase their space so they dont get bored. Give them lettuce to peck at. I have used bread and soaked dog food. to entertain chicks to keep from pecking each other.

 

[Chris09]

There are a few things that could cause this problem boredom, lack of space, lice/mites, and nutrition just to name a few.
If the brooder is tight give them a little more room and check them for lice and mites, if the look to lice/mites give them a light dusting of Sevin Dust.
Nutrition can play a major role in it because chicken need animal protein in there diet and they will get it one way or another.
By chance are you feeding Purina Feed? If so you may want to either supplement feed some sort of animal protein like a little raw liver (about a table spoon full for your 6 chicks) once a day or find a feed that has animal protein in it.

Chris

 

[Ruralchicks]

Thank you for your suggestion. I think these chicks are ready to go out to their coop! In the meantime, I gave them some greens to peck at and put the injured chicks in another area to heal. Hopefully they will be ready to go back with the others by morning!