Chicks Look Dusty

[sphillips]

I have 8 Red Production hens about 8 weeks old. All seem perfectly healthy, out in their coop and run. I've noticed the last few days they have what looks like white dust or dander on them. I'm guessing this is from still growing in new feathers? No itching or scratching. Coop gets cleaned every two weeks, they are on wood shavings in the coop. Am I right about the dust?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Check them over good and make sure none of that dust is moving, otherwise chickens are dusty creatures, with lots of dander coming off them daily.

 

[pinknblackchaos]

It might just be the feather casings. They preen and pick them off and leaves little white pieces all over the place.

 

[sphillips]

Checked today, no dust is moving. I've had checked before, kind of looks like when the hens most and start to get new feathers. Its just on top of the feathers on their backs/wings. Geez! I hope its not mites already! Never had an issue with them before.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It probably isn't mites unless they have been out with older chickens. It's always good to check though.