White Chick - Is she pecking her own feathers out?

[PlentywoodFarm]

Hi all,

I'm new here and am hoping for some advice. I have six baby chicks I brought home from a breeder last. 4 wyandottes- one white, two blue laced red and one splash, a rhode island red and a barred rock.

I didn't notice it last night, but my white wyandotte's feathers look sort of wet and damaged on her wings and the skin is red. I have noticed that she keeps nuzzling and pecking her beak against the spot like she is itching it. I have seen some of the other chicks do the same thing, and I am wondering if it is something to be worried about or if it is just noticeable on a white chick.

She is about two weeks old, and the largest in the brooder. She seems to be the most dominant, so I don't think it is the other chicks doing the damage. The photo doesn't really capture the wing very well, but it is the best I could do. Sorry if this is a stupid question! I tried to search the forums for a similar thread, but came up empty handed.

Thanks so much,

Jessi

 

[Megan Amber]

Hey Jessi! I don't think that's a stupid question at all. There are two things I can think of right now but will continue thinking about. Number is that she seems to be of the feather growing age and that is a very uncomfortable time for a chicken. They just seem so itchy! I have seen similar symptoms in my own chicks. The other thing is that they might have mites. I doubt that but it is a possibility.

You could really take care of both things with one move and that would be to let them take a dust bath with a little diatomaceous earth in it. Mine always love to take dust baths during feather growth and the D.E. will take care of any mites! Good Luck!

 

[PlentywoodFarm]

Thank you, Megan Amber, for the input!

 

[Megan Amber]

No problem! Let us know how things work out!