chicken dander

[mg50]

Hi. I'm new to the chicken raising. I just purchased a hen at an auction and added it to my other two. I noticed she frequently puffs her body & shakes it & a cloud of dander goes flying? Is this normal? I've never seen any of my other chickens do this that I raised from chicks?

 

[Toddrick]

Has she been taking dust baths? When you say "dander" do you mean dust or feather flakes?

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[mg50]

well I've never seen her roll in any dirt. She just shakes and a big cloud goes wafting off. I'm assuming it is dander. it looks like dust.

 

[drumstick diva]

Are there any holes dug some place where she might be dust bathing, and you just haven't noticed? You can give her a thorough search to see if she has any lice or mites, or skin troubles. If so that can be the reason.

 

[mg50]

I guess I'm not sure what the skin should look like. Yes she did dig a hole under the roost box but I just thought she was making her own personal nest rather then the real one. Lol I'll have to watch closer now to see if she is dusting herself. Thanks.