dandruff?

[pharmchickrnmom]

My chicks are now 4 weeks old and their feathers are growing in nicely. I notice that when I hold them and stroke them, I get what looks like dandruff on me.

Is this normal? I inspected them thoroughly and dont see any signs of lice or mites and they have only been outside a few times in a wire dog kennel. Do they shed dead skin as they lose their down and get feathers or am I an overprotective chicken mommy?

 

[math ace]

All of mine have the dandruff thing going on - - - so it must be normal.

 

[Harrietsmum]

It is the 'plastic' coating coming off their new feathers as they unroll. Usually most noticeable first thing in the morning. Most noticeable on black chicks.