Chicks picking own feathers?

[wholehearted]

I have 26 Freedom Ranger chicks that are now one week old. They seem to be doing very well so far.

Their wing feathers are starting to come in, and today I noticed that a couple of them seem to be picking at themselves under the wing. It's starting to look a little raw. It doesn't appear that anyone else is pecking them...just them doing it to themselves. Is this normal? If not, what can I do to help and what would cause them to do this? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[N&MSchroeder]

Make sure that they have plenty of room and that the temperature is right. If you haven't already done so, give them some construction sand or something similar to dust bathe. They may be doing this out of boredom or they are overzealous in their grooming.

Good luck!

 

[macadam8157]

Pretty sure its just grooming. But yes a dish of dirt or sand... just hope they actually bathe in it and don't eat it all. lol

 

[Wildflower_VA]

Freedom Rangers are meat birds (that do not grow as fast as Cornish X's) --make sure they have plenty of protein in their starter. I have read that feather picking can be a sign of protein deficiency.

I am thinking hard on getting Freedom Rangers later in the year. Please keep us updated with your thoughts on raising them.