Beaks in feathers itching or something

[xx Georgina xx]

Hi Everyone,
I let my chickens out when it was getting dark today I am a little concerned because my chickens has been doing something to their feathers or skin I know their doing something because they keep itching or something in their feathers non stop! the places their doing it is under their wings, their wings, their necks and back feathers which are near their bums. I'm a bit worried about them!
The weird thing is my smallest hen is doing it to her self and the bigger one.
So both of my hens are doing it, I'm very concerned about it.
Also not that long ago we had our family of cats 2 kittens and their mother sleeping in the same bedding as they are now, would it be something to do with that???
Please help me!!

 

[sourland]

Chickens do groom themselves and sometimes their buddies. Have you checked them for lice or mites?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

They are preening. It is normal. They have an oil gland near the base of their backs (near the vent area on top of the back) which looks like a large pink nub. They rub their beaks on this and then spread the oil over their feathers. They groom themselves with their beaks.

 

[xx Georgina xx]

Hello,
I do have a mite spray I haven't used it yet (I didn't have it for long) and I will check for some lice anas ok I just wasn't sure