Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: sussexchook on December 18, 2014, 17:22

Title: pale combe
Post by: sussexchook on December 18, 2014, 17:22

I noticed today my light sussex hen is looking a bit under the weather her combe is a real pale colour almost white and I don't know why. I've had her 3 years but I didn't know how old she was when we got her. Could someone please tell me what the problem could be.

Title: Re: pale combe
Post by: grinling on December 18, 2014, 19:26

my have pale ones as they are not laying..though big hopes for Mavis who was hatched this year.
You can smear vasaline  into the comb to help prevent frostbite and keeps them warmer.

Title: Re: pale combe
Post by: New shoot on December 18, 2014, 20:44

Is she eating OK Sussexchook?  Its worth picking her up and seeing if she is a decent weight or not.  Its also worth checking when you last wormed her and also inspecting the coop for red mite.

Mine get pale combs when they are out of lay, but not as pale as you are describing.  If she is a hybrid layer, 3 plus years is not a bad age, but she should be active and eating to the end.  If not, it could well mean something else is up and she may need to see a vet.

Fingers crossed it is just something minor  :)

Title: Re: pale combe
Post by: barley on December 19, 2014, 04:53

pale is usual when they quieten down for winter

might be worth adding a tonic to the water for a boost up

Title: Re: pale combe
Post by: 8doubles on December 19, 2014, 08:44

Is she due to moult?

Title: Re: pale combe
Post by: sussexchook on December 19, 2014, 09:33

When you say because she has stopped laying do you mean for good or just until the weather picks up. She has just gone through a full mainly so it can't be that.

Title: Re: pale combe
Post by: grinling on December 19, 2014, 17:30

mine have stopped laying for winter, including a 2 year old who too last winter off as well.
Is your hen laying or when did she lay last?
Any foxes around your area?

Title: Re: pale combe
Post by: sussexchook on December 21, 2014, 09:05

She stopped laying at the beginning of November and I've not seen any foxes in my area

Title: Re: pale combe
Post by: joyfull on December 21, 2014, 10:35

could you post a photo of her comb, we can then see if we think it is just shrivelled and pale because she is out of lay or too pale and possible the signs of another problem (heart problem, vitamin deficiency etc.).

Title: Re: pale combe
Post by: sussexchook on December 21, 2014, 15:31

Could anyone please tell me what the expression out of lay means please

Title: Re: pale combe
Post by: joyfull on December 21, 2014, 15:56

when they have stopped laying for the winter - they usually stop October/November until Feb/March. Hybrids will lay for their first 2 or 3 winters and pure breeds will often stop for their 2nd winter.

Title: Re: pale combe
Post by: sussexchook on December 22, 2014, 11:22

Thank you very much I have kept chickens for 3 years now but never come a cross the saying before.