I have checked online for an answer but didn't find one, so want to ask here. I hope I'm using the correct terminology here.
In a smallish environment, say maybe 2m x 3m or so, housing about 6 roosters, would you be surprised if a young chick in the coop was attacked by a fully grown rooster (to the point of being lifeless on the floor)?
My toddler and I witnessed this today at a "children's farm". I told staff the chick was being attacked but they tried to brush me off. I saw the chick being corralled into a corner by a large bird who was pecking mercilessly at it.
My thoughts are that this is probably just normal behaviour for male birds, "I'm head of the flock" behaviour and the chick was obviously vulnerable just by being put in the coop. However if it is unusual behaviour then I'd like to know before I go off on an email rant to the management of the place.
So, is it standard practice to put a chick in that coop or was it an obvious mistake?
When the staff finally intervened and checked on the chick, they said that chicks are hardy and are usually fine. I don't know if they were just trying to fob me off.
Thanks.