White crusty stuff under beak

[confettifarms]

Hey there! I noticed on my favorite black silkie hen yesterday that she has some crusty white (maybe powdery stuff) under her beak. I inspected some others this morning as I let them out, and a few of the others have it too. Same spot, looks the same. I did inspect her all over (or tried to!) and I didn't see it anywhere except right there. Any idea what that could be?

Sorry pictures are not that great and she was squirmy!

 

[LaFleche]

What are you feeding them? This could be just some feed that got caught and dried, but it also could be nits/eggs of lice or mites.

 

[confettifarms]

Ok, thanks! They are eating a crumble and some local feed pellets.

 

[confettifarms]

What are you feeding them? This could be just some feed that got caught and dried, but it also could be nits/eggs of lice or mites.

How would i tell if it's lice/mites? I would see moving things I assume? Or do I need to get out my son's microscope!?

 

[LaFleche]

How would i tell if it's lice/mites? I would see moving things I assume? Or do I need to get out my son's microscope!?

Take one of the affected chickens and compare to this: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=chicken+lice+eggs&t=ffab&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images