My chicks nip at themselves

[Big yellow]

I'm pretty new to chickens, so this is probably a dumb question, but my 9 day old baby chicks are nipping at their down. Is that normal? Thanks.

 

[lazy gardener]

Yes. They are busy sprouting new feathers, and those are a bit prickly. You'll see them constantly grooming themselves. This is where all of the dust associated with chicks comes from. They are shedding down, and lots of tiny "feather sheath bits". Not only is it dusty, but it's a bit oily.

 

[Big yellow]

That explains the dust! Alright,I was just making sure they didn't have fleas or ants on them.

Thanks!