Sparring - Help!

[cluttercup]

We have 5 chicks now 6 weeks old and one, who we have identified as a young cockerel is really bullying one of the others. Any ideas on what to do?

The two involved are really sparring and my gut feeling is to put the cockerel in with the bigger hens until he is rehomed. (Anyone interested - we're in Essex btw!)

Any advice appreciated.

Can you just give them all more room - it is unlikely that chicks this age will do much damage, though the bully may get beaten up by your older hens. As long as there is room for the bullied chicks to get away I would leave them. Also cockerels are very difficult even to give away. Unless you want to fatten him for the pot it might be kinder (and will be easier) to wring his neck now.

Callisto....gulp! He's actually going to a friend shortly and I'm relieved I won't have to get rid of him permanently.

The chicks are in a big run which is right nexty to the main hen enclosure. They show the odd bit of interest in each other but I've had no squabbles even when they are free ranging together.

Motherhurdicure - I have a real mix of chickens from Orpingtons to Amrocks, Aracaunas and Marans. Funny that I was only planning to have 3 and now we have four full size and 5 chicks!

I know - I get DP to do the evil deed if necessary.

I'll keep the old claws crossed for you!