I'm new to the whole chicken thing, but have been around them for awhile now. Decided to get my own and so far they've been fun and quite adorable. I'm having an issue though that one of my baby chicks is becoming more aggressive towards the other (I only have 2 pullets... hopefully). There's plenty of warmth, chick starter and water. At three weeks I'm starting to wonder if the cause is: 1. It's a rooster 2. Space 3. It needs to be separated 4. It needs attention ?? 5. Only 2 in the group The odd thing is.. I was having to clean the other for possible pasting. The issue has been resolved but when I would take the other chick out, the naughty little chick would chirp extremely loud until I was done cleaning and placed its buddy back in their living quarters. I don't want to stress the little bugger, but I'm nervous of the aggression. I see the naughty chick running from one side of the bin to the other to almost 'cut off' its buddy. Also, they're kept behind closed doors due to resident cats. I'm in the room frequently to give them fresh water and simply watch/socialize them. When I'm not in the room I'll hear a sudden loud chirp and I know the little jerk is at it. Once I open the door they're peaceful. Maybe they're tired of their surroundings? I'm nervous to put them outside in a small coop because I'm sure they'll attract raccoons eventually... (I've seen racs get into coops before... not pretty). Any advice would be super appreciated.
I have raised several batches of chicks and actually have a group who are 4 weeks now. At about three weeks old you will start to see them start sparring with each other for pecking order. It's usually harmless and they will chest bump fly at each other etc. sometimes you will hear a squeal or two but as long as no one is getting hurt I would just let them go. It may looks mean to us but to chickens pecking order means everything. I've never had anyone hurt by the sparring and they figure it out. You could add toys and things for them to peck at to help give them entertainment. I put paper towel roll cores, a dusting box and a baby cake for them to peck out keeps them out of trouble. Kristen
Chick interaction is normal, and you should not be concerned about aggression at this age - they are just having normal social behaviors that lead eventually to development of a pecking order. Some chicks are more active and assertive and others more laid-back, just like with other animals (and people too). Go ahead and handle your chicks, it will not hurt the ones left behind in the brooder, even if they seem upset.
Thank you very much! I had read so much about pecking and harming other baby chicks that I was beginning to get nervous. It's good to know this is normal behavior.
Since you only have the 2 chicks, I think you should provide "toys" to entertain them. Like borderbrigade said, a small dirt box, anything you can think of will help, the bully one might be just bored and by keeping them busy you will also help the pecked one, it might be very stressful for it to be pecked at all the time.
