Is this common with hens?

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Does look a little off

 

[aart]

Well, Mama Hen has her babies out in the coop today. The rooster chased her back into the nest house but she came back out.
The one that's smaller looks like it's feathers dried hard and one eye wasn't open when I looked more closely.

Sometimes there's excessive gunk from inside the shell, it dries on the down ...it'll wear off in a few days.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

See now I learned something, never had a gunky chick

 

[PattiS72]

I went out there early to feed this evening, because I just realized the babies had no way to get water. Poor things! So I got our waterer out and filled it up and showed them how to drink. The smaller one really wanted it. The smaller one also was a little more messy. Wondered if I should bathe it?

 

[aart]

I went out there early to feed this evening, because I just realized the babies had no way to get water. Poor things! So I got our waterer out and filled it up and showed them how to drink. The smaller one really wanted it. The smaller one also was a little more messy. Wondered if I should bathe it?

No, it doesn't need to be 'bathed'....... it will fluff up within a few days.

 

[PattiS72]

okay thanks! Oh I also noticed the eye that was closed was opened later on.

 

[PattiS72]

Pics of the two chicks--7 days old.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That little one is still all crusty, is it acting okay, poor little bugger, I would think it's harder to stay warm without being fluffy. Otherwise looking cute.

 

[Hufflefluff]

Okay, this isn't helpful at all, but your chicks are absolutely adorable. Congratulations to you and your broody hen!

 

[PattiS72]

That little one is still all crusty, is it acting okay, poor little bugger, I would think it's harder to stay warm without being fluffy. Otherwise looking cute.

Yes it's still crusty--but getting better every day. Eats and drinks fine. And thanks.