Why is is a new chick makin other chicks bleed?

[faerielady]

Just hatched EE chick is pecking the other two newly hatched EEs and making their feet bleed. What can I do about this??

 

[jenjscott]

Put marbles or shiny rocks around the floor of the brooder and use a red light. I have had problems with toe picking, but never that severe. The marbles give them something else interesting. I think the toes look like worms.

 

[chickenlove2009]

I have had chick do this a lot - but not to the extent that the feet bleed. They think that it is something that they can eat - like a worm. lol. Some people suggest putting in a red lamp to stop the pecking - but that never made since to me because red id also suppose to provoke pecking for some reason. Do you have chick feed in there with them? Does the chick know where it is?

If those are both yes then I really don't know how to help you.

I hope someone else will reply that can help you better.

 

[neferset]

The red lamp is supposed to hide the red from the blood of already pecked animals.

 

[faerielady]

I am using a yellow bulb because I can't find red bulbs here

 

[Akane]

Red is also less visible light that makes them less active and less able to see movement and objects clearly.

I would think once they start eating chick starter and drinking water they will let off on the pecking. It's very common and usually not a problem. They are just seeing what is and isn't food. Most don't peck to the point of drawing blood though.

 

[Bedste]

red also makes it dimmer so they can sleep.

I do not know if it is safe to put rooster booster or blue kote on newbie feet, but if it is I would do that... it heals the bo bos and it taste terrible if it gets pecked again.

 

[Chicken Chat]

I had one do that before, I am sure it was a roo "in the making". He seemed to be a little stronger and took advantage so I seperated him to his own spot for the day to let the others have a break. After that, it was much better.

 

[mstricer]

Quote:
I use red flood lights they come in 85 watts and work well. I got mine at walmart.

 

[faerielady]

Quote:
I use red flood lights they come in 85 watts and work well. I got mine at walmart.

Ok I'll check walmart. I didn't know we could use flood lights... didn't know if they put off the same kind of heat.