Bigger Chick is pooping on the smaller one! What should I do??

[KaylaBird]

I just got my first two chicks a couple of days ago. I got them at 3 weeks old, but one is significantly larger than the other (see picture).

The little one likes to get under the big one, especially when people are around. We thought it was cute at first and thought maybe she was thinking the bigger one was her momma. When ever we separate them for even just a second the little one starts peeping really loud in protest. But now the bigger one is pooping all over the little ones back. What should we do? Is this normal or ok? Should we try washing her off?

Here is a picture of the big one sitting on the little one:

 

[PunkinPeep]

I'm sure that the larger chick is just pooping normally, and the smaller one happens to be in the way.

Whether or not to wash her off depends on how bad it is, i guess. I wouldn't separate them because they need each other.

If you do wash her off, be sure to not let her get a chill. That can be very dangerous, especially at this age.

Also, it looks like maybe you got a bantam and a standard size?

 

[monathequeen]

Don't worry...and don't wash it off unless it bothers you....the baby thinks the other one is her mommoyy...let her think that.
I see you have them in a wood box...is there any shavings in there ?
you should atleast put down news paper so they have a cushion.
why did you only get two ? do you have more chickens ?

 

[KaylaBird]

Quote:
I have a brooding box they are normally in but I had them in the wood box to take a picture because it is the nesting box I just built for their coop. I only have two because I have a tiny backyard in the suburbs and can't have a huge flock. I plan to get two more when more chicks become available.

 

[KaylaBird]

Quote:
Ahh I hope I dont have a bantam, the lady at the store told me it was a giant cochin

Bantams are cute but I dont want tiny eggs!

 

[sharol]

How about suspending a feather duster (real feathers) from the side of the box. Of my 7 chicks, I had 2 who loved to hide under the feathers. I put is so that it was on the edge of the warmth from the heat lamp, and the chicks would sleep in the spot that suited them.

 

[sewchick]

I don't think chickens know the difference what they poop on. My standard chickens used to poop on my silkies because dummy me did not put anything under the roost and that is exactly where the silkies go to sleep. I have since removed a small part of the roost and it solved the problem. I think once your chicks get bigger it wont happen. My chicken poop on me. One vomited on me the other day. Was just moving her to another pen and she got all worked up and it went all over my front. No big deal it just surprised me a little. I did not know chickens could vomit having a crop and all.

 

[shuizar209]

Quote:
Awesome idea!!!