hen w/ 1 wk old chicks--unable to keep clean

[chicks4fun]

I have a young hen who hatched 7 chicks (unplanned) a week ago. I put her in a portable coop to keep her safe. Now that she is there with her babies I noticed her bottom is wet and not clean. I caught her and tried to clean her up with a paper towel but she is still a little messy.
I know outside they take dust baths. Is that what she is missing? Can I take her out and just leave the peeps inside with a lamp or is it bad to separate them? I don't want her or her babies to get sick.
Any ideas???
THANKS

 

[Judy]

Can you wait til the warmest part of the day, give her a bath and dry her with a hair dryer, then get her back quickly? This would also give you a chance to examine her more closely. Those chicks are so young you'd probably have to use a heat lamp while she's gone.

 

[chicks4fun]

thanks, I didn't think to use a hair dryer. I was able to get her out and I did put in a light for the chicks. She took a dust bath and seems a little better but I do want to check it out to be sure.