3 week old chick with feather loss to face—allergy?

[smooch177]

My 3 week old BO has bald spots/feather loss to her face. I just reviewed pics and videos since day 1, and it looks like around 3-4 days old it becomes noticeable. Initially I didn’t think she scratched at her face that much, but after going back and watching videos, she actually does seem to scratch a lot more than I thought, even from day 1. She’s very active, eating/drinking well, normal poops and good weight gain. She’s the smallest of 4, but doesn’t seem to get pecked by the others. Diet is Purina medicated starter, bedding is pine shavings. They do have a dust bath that I added 4 days ago.
It really does seem like she might be reacting to some kind of allergy, but I have no clue as to what?
Hoping someone out there has seen this or has some possible suggestions! Thanks in advance for any input

 

[Chickeria]

Hi smooch177 how is your little chick doing?
The only thing which comes to my mind: do you use a metal feeder? Some individuals (humans, animals) can be allergic to certain metals or metal alloys.

 

[smooch177]

Hi smooch177 how is your little chick doing?
The only thing which comes to my mind: do you use a metal feeder? Some individuals (humans, animals) can be allergic to certain metals or metal alloys.

Thanks for asking . Nope no metal, just plastic.
The next day after I posted this, she looked a lot worse, I decided to go ahead and treat for possible mites with permethrin and she’s actually looking better, her neck feathers are coming in, her poor little face is finally starting to get some fuzz back!! Going through that awkward recovery phase but I know she’ll be beautiful soon! I can tell by her behavior she’s feeling better too, she stopped scratching so much and she’s more active and playful.
My assumption is she got them from the pine shavings, only after reading some posts on here did I realize that was even a possibility—I never saw any feather loss on the other 3 but they did scratch occasionally and everyone pretty much has stopped.
Hopefully my experience will be able to help someone else!

 

[Chickeria]

I'm so glad to hear you found the cause and could help her (and the other babies) - that's awesome she is feeling so much better and feathers and fuzz are coming in - well done

Wow I never thought it was possible they get mites from the pine shavings, and the possibility of mites would have never come to my mind because she was the only one from 4 showing such issues - it is great that you are sharing your experience!