Chick trying to eat/pull off fluff

[StardustChicken]

Video here
Curious behavior I've noticed in one of my dominique chicks. She typically only does this to the roosters who still have some baby fluff (and the silkie). They're all 6 weeks now. She doesn't do it all the time, just occasionally, but when she does it seems obsessive. The "victims" don't seem to mind much, they'll walk away after awhile when they've had enough.

Anyone had a chicken that does this? First time I've seen it haha. Isn't it just preening?

 

[JaeG]

I think she's just being a motherly friend and keeping the others looking neat and tidy.

 

[aart]

She may be 'bored'.
Give them lots of space and other things to do.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

I assume you are feeding a good chick starter, and very few or no treats?

 

[StardustChicken]

I assume you are feeding a good chick starter, and very few or no treats?

Yes, and I do feed them chilled watermelon occasionally to help keep them cool during the day (it can reach +100°F) and they've had small crickets once; plenty of grit provided of course.

 

[aart]

I do feed them chilled watermelon occasionally to help keep them cool during the day (it can reach +100°F)

Here's what I do the help beat heat stress:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-hot-weather-spiel.75893/