molting or mites?

[bufforphy]

My 8 week old chicken is now showing a white color on their feathers roots. Is it molting or mites?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Birds go through a series of "mini-molts" as they grow from fuzzy chicks to fully feathered birds -and that is what appears to be going on with the bird shown. That said, a close inspection will help you to determine whether there are any mites or lice present.

 

[bufforphy]

Thanks!!! When do I start the dust? I am a new chicken owner so I am learned as I go they are 8 weeks old

 

[trailrider330]

Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

Very glad you joined the Backyard chickens flock.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[allpeepedout]

Young chickens go through several feather changes on their way to adult plumage. New feathers come in covered in a waxy shaft. This looks white. It breaks down as the feather emerges.

This thread shows a good picture in the second post and explains it.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-about-covers-around-bottom-of-crest-feathers

It's hard to tell exactly from your image, but it may be just new feathers coming in.