1wk old chicks pecking under wings

[greengirl425]

Some of our small flock of 16 chicks have been pecking under their wings. We have several breeds but it looks like just our Buff Orpingtons are picking to the point of small bald spots under their wings. The downy feathers around the bald areas look dried and matted down. It appears they are self inflicted. I thought that maybe it was because their wing feathers are growing in so quickly and might be irritating but the small bald spots seem to be growing slightly larger. Any advice?

 

[Judy]

They will do a lot of grooming and prenning; this ma be normal. They do act like they itch when all that down is coming out and new feathers coming in. Keep an eye out for blood. Be sur they have enough space and can get away from the heat if they want. Give them a couple of toys, things to jump up on or hide in, and move them around each day.

 

[theoldchick]

Welcome to BYC. I wonder if you are dealing with mites? Make sure your flock is on a good diet, has plenty of room, and the area they are in is clean. Young chicks do a lot of preening but not to the point of self trauma. How old are your chicks?

 

[greengirl425]

Thank you for your replies!
Judy, we are keeping a close eye on them, no blood yet, thankfully. Will definitely pick up some things today to give them some fun things to do.
theoldchick, they are just one week old. If they are mites, I see a lot of people using DE, maybe I should pick some up?

 

[theoldchick]

You can try and see if that works. Be sure to clean up after them. Good luck with them and photos are always welcomed!

 

[Judy]

Rather than DE, something that will kill the bugs is a poultry dust or spray in the feed store that works well. Tese are usually a permethrin/pyrethrin tpe product. Adams' flea and tick spray works, as does Spinosad. Wood ash in the dust bath is a good preventive.

 

[greengirl425]

Thanks again! Will check out those things. We got a natural ointment that should help them from picking. And the feed store people recommended DE so we did sprinkle a small bit of it in the bedding but that stuff makes me nervous.

 

[theoldchick]

I'm very cautious about using much of anything on week old chicks. DE can get in the lungs, and pesticides can cause seizures and death. I've done okay with a simple light ointment on raw places on chicks. Also make sure the humidity and heat is within normal limits for these young birds. Keep the area they live in clean with good air circulation. I hope they are doing well!

 

[greengirl425]

We do our best to keep them clean and happy, messy little things! They are living in the house for now until they get a bit older so we are able to keep a very close eye on them. I'm actually out of town for a few days right now but I just heard they are all doing much better except for one which got another layer of the ointment. I'm hopeful that she will be better soon too. Thank you again for the advice!