Runt flew at my face!

[SammyJo425]

I have 5 golden comet chicks that as of today are 2 weeks old. They seem healthy and happy but a little restless. They stand on top of the heat plate and stick their necks up, especially when they hear my voice. I try to play with them and give them treats, and I will talk to them and let them perch on my hand and arm. Well today I was sitting at the edge of the brooder (I have them in a large box, 2 x 4 with 4 foot walls but I cut down the front so it’s easy to clean and they aren’t too difficult to get to) and the runt stood on top of the heat plate and flew at my face!! I jumped and made a scared noise and they all got freaked out and ran. But she literally tried to fly out and went directly for my face. Is this an aggressive behavior? This is my first time

 

[-Flash-]

I think they just want to make friends. Or maybe explore and run around out side.

 

[african chickens]

i dont think so though i am not a chicken expert

 

[SammyJo425]

I think they just want to make friends. Or maybe explore and run around out side.

It’s definitely too cold to bring them out, they are not near fully feathered. Just getting their wing and tiny tail feathers. Should I let them run around on my floor in a controlled area?

 

[Lor]

She probably didn't mean to go for your face. I'm guessing they are still a bit uncoordinated, just learning to fly and all.

 

[SilverBirds]

Doubt it was anything aggressive. She probably saw your head or shoulders as a nice place to perch. They also like to start using their wings at that age, running around flapping their wings flying onto everything.

 

[SammyJo425]

Doubt it was anything aggressive. She probably saw your head or shoulders as a nice place to perch. They also like to start using their wings at that age, running around flapping their wings flying onto everything.

Should I look into a larger space for them? They do fly a little and run around and have a lot of energy. I do worry that they don’t have enough space and I want them to be happy and have an opportunity to behave naturally

 

[Lor]

Should I look into a larger space for them? They do fly a little and run around and have a lot of energy. I do worry that they don’t have enough space and I want them to be happy and have an opportunity to behave naturally

It wouldn't hurt to give them more room and make sure it has a top. They are sneaky little things. I added some sticks and pieces of wood for them to jump on so they wouldn't get too bored.

 

[SammyJo425]

It wouldn't hurt to give them more room and make sure it has a top. They are sneaky little things. I added some sticks and pieces of wood for them to jump on so they wouldn't get too bored.

I made them a little roost to perch on. And they seem to like it. Because they were standing on the heat plate a lot I was afraid they would slip and get splay leg or fall. I thought giving them something to perch on would help. They do still seem uncoordinated and clumsy. But with the heat plate, roost, food, water , small container for grit and a small container of sand for dust bathing there’s not a lot of room for them to run around so maybe I should get a bigger box

 

[Lor]

I made them a little roost to perch on. And they seem to like it. Because they were standing on the heat plate a lot I was afraid they would slip and get splay leg or fall. I thought giving them something to perch on would help. They do still seem uncoordinated and clumsy. But with the heat plate, roost, food, water , small container for grit and a small container of sand for dust bathing there’s not a lot of room for them to run around so maybe I should get a bigger box

They are so cute on their little chick perch.