first time chicken owner

[ANIMAL LUVER]

Hi,
I am a first time chicken owner and i have some questions.
i have 4 hens. fully grown.
they were given to us from some friends. they are already laying eggs.
we have one chicken that eats the whites eggs and i don't know why.
but she leaves the rest of them alone.
is that normal?
i think they have either mites, or maybe lice. they have been cooped up all their lives so we made a pen for them to come out in and now they are digging holes and throwing dirt on them selves and rolling around in the holes.
am i right to think it's mites or lice? and if so, how do i get rid of them so that they are comfortable and not always itching and rolling in the dirt?
last question for now, what fruits and veggies can they eat and what can't they eat?

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Have you actually seen mites or lice? Chickens love to dust bathe. They do so whether or not they have parasites. Darken your nest boxes by hanging a cloth across most of the front. This should help cut down on the egg eating.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, ANIMAL LUVER, and

! Great to have you aboard! Below is a link to a treat chart.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens

With the dusting it is perfectly normal. Dust bathing is a way chickens rid themselves of pests. That's not to say they don't have mites or lice but dusting is just something chickens do - and love to do! Check the vent area - often the first place parasites go after chickens. Good luck to you and your flock!

 

[drumstick diva]

Separate the egg eater or rehome her before she teaches the others to do it.