Chickens shaking head, I don't see any parasite?

[crittrz]

My mature layers periodically quickly shake/flip their heads, sometimes scratch them, but I see no parasites, and none of the other signs of common parasites. Now my five week old chicks are doing the same thing. Any insights?

 

[azygous]

This is what chickens do. It's one way we can know they are alive and well. Chickens have a lot of sensation on their heads. Like us, little irritants will cause them to shake their heads and flip it off. Put something wet on the comb of one of your chickens and watch the head shaking go to town.

Excessive head shaking along with scratching can indicate itchy or painful ears due to infection. So always check in their ears for gunky buildup if you feel the shaking is excessive.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Chickens normally shake their heads when feathers are growing in because it itches, when they have mucus in their airways to clear them, and if lice or mites are causing itching or irritation. Chicks especially will shake heads. I would just periodically check for tiny bugs, but it probably is just normal.