Is it okay for a chicken to scratch/itch by there necks like dogs?

[Annalyse]

I was doing my night time routine and my silkie started to itch/scratch near her neck and then my buff did the same thing after. I was check and trying to see if they had lice or mites or anything and I didnt see anything. Tomrrow I'm going to get a closer look but is it okay for them to do that? Sorry I'm the new time chicken owner first year and get worried alot

 

[angela hernandez]

yes, it's perfectly normal. my chickens do it all the time, and as far as I know they have no mites haha. they were probably just relieving an itch, though maybe check for mites to be safe

 

[ButtonHoarder]

yes, it's perfectly normal. my chickens do it all the time, and as far as I know they have no mites haha. they were probably just relieving an itch, though maybe check for mites to be safe

Same here all my chickens do it. So don't worry about it too much

 

[Annalyse]

Okay thank you all! And yes tomrrow I'm just gonna check in case and so they get used to me check in between there feathers.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's normal but if they do it excessively, or you see other signs of them feeling unwell, it could possibly be an indicator of an issue.

 

[aart]

My Bug Check notes:
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Good post about mite ID by Lady McCamley:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008

 

[Annalyse]

My Bug Check notes:
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Good post about mite ID by Lady McCamley:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008

Thank you. I will !!!