Mites or normal feather loss?

[Lmoreau70]

I am concerned about some of my chicks! They were 1 month old today and I have noticed on ALL of my RIR that they have these little white feathers coming out around their necks! I also see a bit of this on one of my Barred Rocks. I went out to the coop tonight with a flashlight and looked to see if I could find any eggs or moving bugs under their feather but I didn't see anything. I have a sand floor and last night I sprinkled a bunch of food grade DE on it and raked it in. Do you think this could be mites or is this normal feather loss? I'm new to this and don't want to lose any of my babies! They have been in the coop for a little over a week and I clean it every day and so far I have scrubbed the walls and the roosts twice with water and pine sol. Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[nurse_turtle]

That's normal feather growth/loss. They appear to be at the age where they may be getting their big bird feathers in. Around each newly emerging feather, there is a white colored protein sheath that will break off in flakes as the feather grows and becomes mature. The white flaking is normal. Enjoy your chicken teens!

 

[Lmoreau70]

Whew! I was getting itchy all over myself when I thought they might be mites! That would have been a pain! Thanks.