Question

[Lbrad7]

"friends" is relative with chickens...no such thing when it comes to picking. There is nothing to worry about unless one of them draws blood. It is completely normally for them to pick at abnormalities on each other. The problem comes when one brings blood or makes a sore. At that time you would have to remove it until it completely heals up.

No blood, no worries~!

 

[Lbrad7]

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He is referring to baby chicks. They have to be confined. If he free ranges them cannibalism would be the least of his worries.

 

[centrarchid]

Free range with parental female. I used to do it exclusively. We maybe forgetting that at least some breeds can repoduce without incubators, heat lamps and medicated feeds. Many problems popping up with "container effect" of intensive rearing systems that promote decidely malladaptive behaviors.

 

[Lbrad7]

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"intensive rearing systems that promote decidely malladaptive behaviors"..... really?

ya got me.

 

[7L Farm]

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OK. That makes since. I think its all good. I'm still thinking after watching them but I could be wrong they do care for each other. Reason, being I see this type of behaviour time & time again. Just in different ways. Believe me my chicks aren't starving to death.