itchy chicks

[emmakate]

my 2 chicks (5w & 6w old) have been scratching themselves so much lately. especially under their wings. i thought it was just because new feathers growing, but my other 3 chickens weren’t like this. the chicks also have super dry and flaky skin. whenever i hold them, there’s always lots of dry skin flakes on me afterwards. they scratch thems so so much i’m just worried about them. any help/advice?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What are you feeding? Bedding type used? Did you check for mites? Do they have a place to dust bathe?

Young chicks go through multiple molts as they grow, so new feathers are often coming in somewhere. Those new feathers produce feather dander and dust.

 

[emmakate]

What are you feeding? Bedding type used? Did you check for mites? Do they have a place to dust bathe?

Young chicks go through multiple molts as they grow, so new feathers are often coming in somewhere. Those new feathers produce feather dander and dust.

i’m feeding them chick starter medicated feed.( i started feeding them medicated because one of them was really sick a few weeks ago. all better now). the bedding is pine shavings from tsc. i tried my best to check for mites, they wouldn’t let me lift up there wings or inspect them for anything, i did look at their other feathers and they seemed clean. i’m hoping it’s just new feathers or molting. i bring them outside for 3/4 of the day and sit with them, so they dustbathe whenever they feel like it.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

i’m feeding them chick starter medicated feed.( i started feeding them medicated because one of them was really sick a few weeks ago. all better now). the bedding is pine shavings from tsc. i tried my best to check for mites, they wouldn’t let me lift up there wings or inspect them for anything, i did look at their other feathers and they seemed clean. i’m hoping it’s just new feathers or molting. i bring them outside for 3/4 of the day and sit with them, so they dustbathe whenever they feel like it.

Sounds like you are doing everything right. Chicks do preen and pick, and twitch, especially if new feathers are coming in. So as long as they are acting fine I wouldn't worry. Generally very young chicks don't have mites unless they were raised by a broody, than it's always a possibility.

 

[chickens really]

I'd get them living outside full time. I agree with @oldhenlikesdogs ...

 

[emmakate]

I'd get them living outside full time. I agree with @oldhenlikesdogs ...

sorry i did say that wrong, they’re outside from 7 am to 8 pm. i just can’t put them in the coop at night because my 3 older chickens don’t really get along with them.

 

[chickens really]

sorry i did say that wrong, they’re outside from 7 am to 8 pm. i just can’t put them in the coop at night because my 3 older chickens don’t really get along with them.

Well I'd leave them and house them in the Coop if it's big enough and really start them integrating