Why are my baby chicks attacking the newly hatched one

[Bobbel]

Ok so my first 2 hatched a few days ago and now a new one has hatched, I put it in with them and they immediately started to peck at its face, toes, and pushed it over. So I immediately separated them. I don't know what else to do.

 

[raingarden]

I hate that and made removable HC wire corrals to partition the brooder so they can look-but-not-touch. The corrals have plastic bottle caps for water. It's usually only a day or two before the new chick can fend for itself.

 

[saysfaa]

They do it because chickens are territorial, flock, prey animals. Any chick in their territory who is not recognized as in their flock or who shows behavior likely to draw predators is likely to get this treatment.

 

[Bobbel]

I tried putting them together again but same result, they are both black with black feet and a little white spot on their head. While the new one is a little bit smaller, more grey with a white cap and pink feet.

 

[raingarden]

How long did you leave them together .... if I can ask?

 

[Bobbel]

How long did you leave them together .... if I can ask?

Just a few seconds, because they started to peck him around

 

[Bobbel]

They both started to attack my hand!!!!!!! Why are they getting more aggressive????? What do I do?????

 

[saysfaa]

They explore with their beaks; it likely isn't aggression. One option is to enjoy watching them without getting in/down with them. Another is to sit with them and when they peck hardishly, squawk and flutter your hands at their face then stop immediately when they back away at all - timing is very important. It helps to move slowly and quietly at all other times.

It you are feeding from your hands, you might consider stopping that.

 

[Isadora]

Was your new chick wet at all? If he wasn't fully fluffed out they could be interested in how he looked different from them.

 

[Bobbel]

I don't feed them by hand, I went to give them some water and one charged at my hand and attacked