Is it normal for chicks/chickens to scratch themselves alot?

[goldeneggtees]

Hi, just curious if it's normal for chicks to scratch themselves alot? My 5 week old b/o chicks are always fixing/preening their feathers. I just want to make sure it's not something I should be concerned about. And if I should be concerned, what might be the cause.

 

[Sylvie72]

Hi there,
My chicks are always fixing/preening their feathers. It gets itchy i guess as the feathers are growing and its a way for them to "pluck" out the down they have also that is not needed where the feathers are growing. So I would not worry at all, just part of being a chick. My two week old chicks are worse than the four day old ones.

 

[aidenbaby]

The only time I'd be overly worried is if you can see critters in their feathers.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
What she said. Check around the vent at night with a flashlight. Look on the skin and along the feather shafts. You would be looking for mites or lice, both tiny. They can be treated fairly simply if you find them. If they are still indoors, you are not likely to see any.

But you will see them preen their feathers often, regardless. Just what they do.

 

[goldeneggtees]

Thanks all, seems like they are fine and are just doing normal preening :–)