Chick just hatched by hen. The back of its head looks like an open wound?

[GitaBooks]

We thought Eagle (our mother hen) was trying to peck the spots off of them, because they were spotted. However, we witnessed Beauty (or vicious other mother) fighting with Eagle. The chicks were safe as long as they were locked away from Beauty.

It isn't impossible that the mother was just trying to clean them. Was she getting enough food?

 

[mycritter]

She had plenty of food, but I don't know how long it'd been since she got down eat.

 

[emmaie892000]

How's the chick doing?

 

[mycritter]

I think it's doing well! It's walking around and drinking water on its own; it's acting like every other chick I've had.

 

[GitaBooks]

That's incredible! Congratulations.

 

[mycritter]

Thank you. I hope it survives. My 6 year old is very attached.

 

[ahiatt]

Thank you everyone. I brought it inside & it is sleeping. The wound was getting worse, so I know y'all are right about the mom pecking it. This is my first hatch. I put food and water in its brooder, but it's not eating nor drinking. Is this normal for a newborn? All my other chicks came from the feed store.

The mother is really upset. She is the only chicken I've ever had go broody. Does this mean I shouldn't let her hatch eggs again?

I'm no expert by any means but I am going through this same issue (mom hatched eggs a week ago, three were injured like yours and I had to separate the little ones).

For the first three days they didn't eat or drink hardly at all (they have their yolk sak still I think). After that they started to becoming interested in food and water.

 

[mycritter]

Thanks! I saw it drinking water yesterday. It seems to being doing fine. Fingers crossed!

 

[mycritter]

Just want to update: The chick is doing great. Here he/she is today!

I

 

[GitaBooks]

I'm glad he's doing well!

It really is strange the "wound" on its head.