They're pecking at the tiny one

[hudsonhens]

We just hatched out first batch of eggs this weekend. By Sunday 14 had hatched, and 1 straggler hatched Tuesday morning. It's now Tuesday night and we tried to put the newest one in the brooder with the others and they attacked him immediately. The little guy is healthy for his age, just much smaller and slower than the others that are 2 days older. What can I do to introduce him to the others in the brooder without him getting pecked to death?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I use Pick No More lotion on the spots where the chicks pick. It stains and it looks like molasses, but tastes yucky to them. It worked instantly. They wiped their beaks and left well enough alone! It is the Rooster Booster brand- they had it at my feed store.

 

[tennesseeckn]

I just had the exact same thing happen. I put in the tiny chick, they attacked. Pulled it out quickly and thought, "That was weird. Surely they won't do it AGAIN." and lowered it back into the brooder. Guess what? They did it again. Pecked at my hand in an attempt to get at the chick.

This is what I did.

I made DH hold the chick while I ran out and got another light. I took an extra plastic bin and a couple of tupperware lids for food and water to make a mini-brooder. I put the newly hatched in there with the smallest of the other chicks. They did fine together and snuggled up for the night. Over the next two days I added two more chicks. Now I can combine brooders when I change litter and everyone is fine. (I kept the mini-brooder going because they looked so comfy and I have more chicks coming tomorrow.)

Good Luck!