Is this normal?

[Vickilynn45]

I have six chicks that are around three weeks old. Yesterday I noticed they are cleaning themselves a lot, scratching different spots, just like something is bothering them. I'm going to try to look for mites or something else, but am wondering if this is just something they do a lot, or if it could be a problem of some sort?

 

[sourland]

Chickens preen frequently, and they may just be adjusting their new feathers. Give a close check for mites, and if none are present, relax

 

[Vickilynn45]

Chickens preen frequently, and they may just be adjusting their new feathers. Give a close check for mites, and if none are present, relax

Thanks! I'm going to google the mites and see what I'm really looking for first. The chicks look kind of ragged right now, and I'm wondering if part of that look is because they are getting their first feathers. I did read that losing the down and growing the new feathers can be sort of itchy to them. I'm hoping that is the case.