Ungrateful Chicks attacking eachother

[Qi Chicken]

I doubled the size of the brooder today so it is now about 7 by 3 and 2.5 feet tall. 16 3 week old chicks in there.

I thought they would love it. Now they are taking flying leaps across the brooder. One EE is jumping on the others and biting the other's necks. They are all leaping and flying around dive bombing eachother. Should I put the (extra extra) bad one behind a screen? TONS of chest bumbing chasing and rushing at eachother. They've never been so aggressive and mean. What's up???

It is a dark and very stormy night tonight and the rain and thunder seem to be making them nervous. Could this be the reason for the weirdness? Just getting used to the new space? Please advise, they act like they seriously want to hurt eachother.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

What color light do you have on them? White light can aggitate them as well after a while.

I think you have plenty of room. Give them a strip of fabric a couple inches long and let them run around with it. That's what I do with mine. Tired them out.

 

[debilorrah]

HAHAHA!!! Are they chest bumping too like drunken men at a super bowl party?? They are playing, and they are establishing their pecking order. Unless you see major bald spots or blood, leave them be. They know what they are doing.

 

[Qi Chicken]

Thanks for the replies. Their light is red (always has been) They tried to peck the thermometer so much I thought they were going to break the glass so I took it out. It was reading a little cool so I lowered their light just now.

I'll give them fabric tomorrow. Great idea.

If this is playing, CRAP! I don't want to see fighting!!! Lots and lots of chest bumping. Once they figure out the pecking order do they stop doing all this? I don't think anyone is settling for a lower spot quite yet!

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Quote:
Have you ever seen a Rooster do his thing with a hen? Down right violent

 

[Qi Chicken]

No, I haven't. Just one more thing to look forward to!

 

[gryeyes]

Well, the pecking order thing does work itself out before too long. (Yes, it can be stressful on us chick Moms!)

And when the rooster nails the hens, at least it's over in just a few seconds. Usually, the hen gets up, shakes herself to fluff her feathers, and walks away none the worse. Maybe missing some feathers....

Luckily, I have a gentle rooster.

 

[Matoe]

If you don't like chicks fighting you best get rid of all your rosters they seem to love bitting the heads of my hens and his spurs have made the girls bald on there back sides. Best thing for a roo is the paster pot at 12weeks.