Baby chicks are pecking their momma’s eyes?

[Chicken❤️er]

So we put some fertilized eggs under our broody hen, and four of them have hatched so far. The chicks all look relatively healthy and strong, but I’ve noticed some strange behavior going on. When I open up the nesting box to give our new momma some fresh air, the chicks all come out and start pecking at her eyes! Not each other, but their momma. No blood has been drawn, but this happens pretty frequently and momma hen seems pretty irritated about it. Is this normal or should I be concerned? Thanks

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

At this point, let mama take care of it......she’ll put them in their place if they are hurting her! Best wishes!!!!

 

[HeavensHens88]

So we put some fertilized eggs under our broody hen, and four of them have hatched so far. The chicks all look relatively healthy and strong, but I’ve noticed some strange behavior going on. When I open up the nesting box to give our new momma some fresh air, the chicks all come out and start pecking at her eyes! Not each other, but their momma. No blood has been drawn, but this happens pretty frequently and momma hen seems pretty irritated about it. Is this normal or should I be concerned? Thanks

Chicks can be related to children in so many cases.
Think about kids, especially little ones. They get bored, there's no toys in sight, but look, there's Mommy and she's looking a bit too comfortable. A bit of poking and prodding and pulling will definitely do to amuse them, and it'll set her just a tad bit closer to the edge.
Same here. Chicks are daring little buggers. I've never had a broody whose children didn't peck her face at one point or another.
Just keep an eye on them, but, remember, Mom knows perfectly well how to safely and quietly correct if it goes too far.

 

[Chicken❤️er]

HeavenHens88 thank you. I’ll keep an eye out!

 

[50-45-1]

Normal behavior.
You do have chick starter in there for them?
Everything is new to chicks and must be explored.
I always put stuff in the broody pen for mom to keep her brood busy. Like a handful or two of orchard grass she can show them how to scrach thru looking for bugs. I also give the hen some treets like a piece of banana or a few grapes. She goes crazy and shows the chicks what it is. She deserves it after her long broody duty!

 

[Chicken❤️er]

50-45-1, we do give the chicks chick starter. They are newly hatched; most of them are less than 48 hours old, so I’m not sure if it’s okay to give them grass yet, and I’m still reluctant to give them any other treats other than their chick starter. To prevent any chicks from eating momma’s food, we lift her out of the nesting box once or twice a day to give her a chance to eat, drink, poop, and stretch her legs. This also gives the chicks a chance to run around.

 

[Folly's place]

Another example of why having birds near your eyeballs is a bad idea!
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

My broody hens (and my entire flock) eat Flock Raiser all year, so it's fine for the chicks too. If your chicks need medicated chick starter, mama can also eat it. She's not laying eggs while broody, or raising her chicks, so layer feed isn't so good for her anyway.
Mary

 

[50-45-1]

Sounds like you are doing great!
My set up is different than yours. Mine is more like a rabbit hutch. Mom brings the chicks out herself and also eats the chick starter. The chicks dont actually eat the grass, she just shows them its a good thing ot scratch thru.
congradulations on your new chicks!

 

[Chicken❤️er]

Mary,
Sometimes we’ll give momma a bowl of chick starter and she makes the weirdest clucky-noises while she eats it. The chicks become curious and they hop into the bowl, completely ignoring their feeder and get in her way! The scene is absolutely hilarious!