Picking on eachother

[amh0017]

Hi!
We are new here, and new to raising chickens!
We have 2 1/2 week old chicks. They seem to be picking on eachother, and pecking at each others tail feathers and making them bleed.
Is this normal? Or what are they trying to tell us they need??
Thanks so much!!

 

[curious chickee]

How much room do they have?

 

[amh0017]

They are in a big trough. There are 12 of them. Two perches. Food and water.

 

[junebuggena]

Sounds like it's time for more room. By three weeks, they need at least one sq. foot each.

 

[amh0017]

Ok. Well boo, they said they would be fine in the trough for at least 6 weeks. guess we better get this coop built faster!

 

[junebuggena]

Three chicks might be fine in a trough for 6 weeks, but 12? No way.

 

[junebuggena]

What breeds do you have. Some need more than the standard 4 sq. ft. per adult.

 

[curious chickee]

Mine out grew their brooder around the same age. Now mine start outside in a small coop. (The one I purchased while finishing my main coop/run.)