Vent pecking..

[Mandabirkett]

Okay... here is the short version. I ordered 15 chicks (americana and olive eggers) to arrive in 2 weeks. I got super excited in a moment of weakness just bought 5 black stars. I am okay with the chicken math but now I have a small chick that is pecking my other chicks vents. I Have tried the red light on 24/7 vs the heat plate and it doesn’t matter. The little bugger goes straight to the others vent. I added stimulus I stopped giving treats (cooked egg) and tried to give them space.. I ended up separating him but he screams murder. I felt bad and tried to return him and straight to pecking vents agains.. so here is my current setup. 2 brooders with mesh in between.. any ideas as I have 15 more chicks coming and was hoping to use the second brooder for them..

 

[Pork Pie]

Installing objects in the brooder may help distract the vent-pecker (small branches, small cardboard boxes with sides removed and suspended CDs, are examples).

 

[TMBLANKE]

We put a small mirror in our brooder. The ladies love it.