Picking on 1 chick after they've been together 12 days??

[Urbanchickens]

Is this normal? My DD's class incubated and hatched eggs so we rec'd a 1 day old chick. We wanted her to have "friends" so we bought 5 more (slightly older) from the feed store. I had heard that if they were going to pick, it would happen immediately. It's been 12 peaceful days that they have been together but this morning, our young chick has a bloody vent/butt area. And one part of her wing is bloody/missing feathers. Would they start picking now?

I've isolated her for now and tried to clean up her bottom. But we have to rush off to school/work and can't stay with her today. I'm worried!!

Karen

 

[PurpleChicken]

My limited experience has shown me that once a chick gets a little blood on it the other chicks may act like wolves. Isolate the chick until no blood is present.

You also may have a sick chick. If it's vent is bloody it may be a sign of illness. The other chicks may naturally attack a weak or sick chick. Isolation is critical.

Good Luck.