Why Do Chicks Peck Each Other and How to Help
- Annie
- Apr 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 11
Every spring, I get the itch to add to my backyard flock! All it takes is one peek over the edge of the chick brooders at our local farm supply store and I am hooked! While it is hard to resist those cute little fluff balls, it is important to remember they grow fast and so do their instincts.
One behavior that surprises many first-time chicken owners is how quickly chicks start to establish a pecking order. Yes, it is a real thing, not just a saying, and it starts right in the brooder. But why do chicks peck at each other? It is their natural way of figuring out who is in charge. Each chick defends its place, and sometimes it can get a little rough.
If you are paying close attention, you will start to notice who the top chick is early on. It is fascinating to watch, but it can also be a little shocking when things get out of hand. That is exactly what happened to one of my chicks last year.
A Real-Life Story of Pecking Injury and Recovery
I had my chicks shipped from Hoover’s Hatchery and they arrived strong, healthy and full of energy. On the second day in the brooder, I did a routine check and noticed something was off. One of my sweet little chicks, Cheddar, was standing alone with her head down. Suddenly, two other chicks rushed over and started pecking at her face, right near her eyes.
My heart sank.
When I scooped her up, I could see both of her eyes were swollen and bloody. Honestly, I was not even sure if one of her eyeballs was still intact. I was horrified.
I brought her into the house, kept her warm and gently cleaned the blood from her face. She nestled into a blanket on my chest and just slept. I did not want her to suffer, but I also did not want to give up on her.
How One Wound Spray Helped My Chick
I decided to keep Cheddar separate but nearby. I placed her in a clear tote inside the brooder so she could still hear and see her flock mates. Then I pulled out my favorite recovery products: Flock Fixer, First Peep and most importantly, Bye-Bye Boo-Boos spray.
I dipped a Q-tip in the spray and gently applied it to her eyes. She did not even flinch. In fact, she would just snuggle in and fall asleep. Bye-Bye Boo-Boos was a lifesaver. It soothed her wounds without stinging and helped her eyes heal beautifully.
Within a week and a half, Cheddar was back to her normal self. Her eyes had healed and I slowly began reintegrating her into the flock. Today, she is a thriving, happy hen and we share a special bond that goes beyond the brooder.
Here’s Cheddar, left to right, on her healing journey. The first photo shows her just after I found her injured in the brooder. The second was taken about two hours after applying Bye-Bye Boo-Boos. The third is two days into using the spray and the final photo shows Cheddar today!
Gentle, Effective and Egg-Safe
I now keep Bye-Bye Boo-Boos spray on hand at all times. Whether it is a cut, scrape or even a mild case of Bumblefoot, this spray is my go-to. It does not sting, it is safe for all ages of poultry and best of all, there is no egg withdrawal period. That means I can use it even on my laying hens without worry.
If you are putting together a chicken first-aid kit, this spray is a must-have. It is easy to apply, comforting for your flock and works quickly when your birds need support the most.
Chick Days Can Be Rough
So why do chicks peck at each other? It is their way of figuring out their place in the flock. While pecking order behavior is natural, it can sometimes lead to injuries. Having the right products on hand can make all the difference when things get intense.
Taking care of your chicks from day one sets them up for a strong and healthy life. Keep watching, keep loving and keep your first-aid supplies close. You never know when one of your little fluff balls might need extra help.
Happy Chick Days!
The Wing Lady
Bye-Bye, Boo-Boos - Wound Care for Chickens
Bye-Bye, Boo-Boos is a safe and natural way to soothe and mend wounds, cuts, scrapes and abrasions for your flock. It contains organic lavender, tea tree essential oils and vitamin E to aid healing and protection from infection.
Flock Fixer - Hydrate & Restore Health During Times of Challenge
You can’t always see it, but your flock will experience a weakened immune system during times of challenge. Flock Fixer is a vitamin-rich additive that helps hydrate, restore vital nutrients and balance digestive health.
First Peep - Chick Feed Supplement
First Peep is a non-medicated chick feed supplement that naturally supports digestive health and gets baby chicks eating in the first few weeks of life.
