Problem with one of my chicks....

[amynbrent]

My chicks are about 4 weeks old now.One of my Amercaunas (sp) have a problem. Down it's back and a little section by it's wing there is dried blood and the skin is pink. It looks like feathers are ripped out. I know this chick and one other are constantly fighting/playing and picking at each other so I dont know if that is the cause or it's because new feathers are coming in, or it's a sickness. We have had great luck with the chicks so far with this being our first batch ever. Any help is very much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[ChickenCrazy4ever]

When my friends had a problem with their chickens pecking one another they put vasoline on the spot where the chickens were being pecked. Make sure the chicks have enough space. Lack of space tends to cause fights.

 

[amynbrent]

I was actually thinking it was a space issue. We are moving them right now to something bigger. I hope that is all it is!

 

[ChickenCrazy4ever]

It probably was. We ordered chicks from Ideal Poultry and they gave us 13 males to keep our 12 females warm. We only had a brooder large enough for 12 chicks not 25 and as a result on lil boy got his eye messed up before we found something to do with him.

 

[PetRock]

Do you still have them under a light? I've heard that a red bulb will help prevent them from pecking on each other.

 

[amynbrent]

Yes I have red bulbs. I thought it was only one but actually all of them have issues. I watched them all today and they do peck each other. We built them a big area in our garage since our coop is not ready yet. They all still huddle together and as they lay together they peck each other. I hope the realize how much room they have now and spread out!