wierd chick chick

[aidensmomma]

One of my chicks, I think a rooster, is acting weird lately. All 12 of my chicks normally hang out together, they stay in a group while free ranging. Recently though, this one has been separating himself from the rest and just standing in one spot. I checked for visible injuries and saw none. He seems to be eating and drinking normally. Is this normal behavior? He is now almost 4 months old.

 

[Chickiemom25]

I have one that is bullied by one bird.. The bullying has decreased by I often find it standing alone in another part of the run to avoid the meanie. Mind are 2 months now.

 

[aidensmomma]

Oh, I didn't even think of that! I haven't noticed any of my chicks bullying each other... usually if there is some aggression it's from the one who is now isolating himself. I'll have to watch a little closer...

 

[Wildflower_VA]

If he is a rooster, maybe he just took over his flock-protecting duties. When I let my Australorps out to free range the first few times, the rooster stood by on the alert and didn't eat himself for the longest time. He stood close to the pullets, with his neck stretched high, just being alert and attentive. Their coop and run is beneath a huge oak tree, where many birds gather, including big crows and blue jays. Shortly after being let out under my supervision, they were still foraging near the coop when a large flock of noisy blue jays landed in the tree over top of them. The rooster immediately herded the other five back into the run and then into the coop where they were safe from the jays. A couple of pullets wanted to stop and scratch for goodies, but he pecked them to make them hurry up. He is a very good flock leader, so I am not at all unhappy that one of my six "pullets" from TSC turned out to be a roo.

 

[chickenbythesea]

we have all pullets and I have one that's what I'd call a loner.... it sleeps by itself and and is often away from the group (ours are 2 weeks). At first I was worried about bullying but I haven't caught anything yet. She just seems to like being by herself. I don't know if this is normal but it seems to be working for her... maybe with yours it's just a personality thing.

 

[aidensmomma]

I hope he's just protecting them! I have two roo's and he doesn't bother the other roo, just the hens. Thanks for the help!

 

[JodyJo]

I have 16 pullets, and 3 roos, one roo has taken over as boss man, and often is alone..to watch over the flock...if there is no bullying, most likely this is the issue...keep an eye and see how he reacts.

 

[aidensmomma]

well, well, well...he has gotten over the loner period... how do I know? the other day my 7 year old says "Mom!!! The roosters are attacking Sam! One has her between his legs and the other is pecking at her!" Now I know it's not bullying...it's love.