Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: p4ul4r on June 11, 2011, 12:07

Title: Chickens Combs
Post by: p4ul4r on June 11, 2011, 12:07
Hi

Could anybody tell me the cause of a chickens crown flopping over and no longer standing up?

Many thanks
Paula
Title: Re: Chickens Crowns
Post by: joyfull on June 11, 2011, 13:20
what breed of chicken do you have?
Some breeds are meant to be like this and others such as ex batts come like this as they have been kept in heated sheds full of thousands of birds. Their combs become larger to help the birds cool down (they are also pale as they haven't been exposed to day light), after a while the ex batts combs shrink and get redder again.
Title: Re: Chickens Crowns
Post by: p4ul4r on June 11, 2011, 14:27
Hi Joyfull

Firstly, I would like to appologise for my stupidity in calling my poor chickens combs crowns, but they are all princesses to me!!

To be honest I am not sure of the breed of my girls, I know I have at least two different breeds.  I live in France and got them from a friend, but I do know they are definately not ex-batts. 

The chicken I am talking about I think is a Sussex White, and sadly had passed away in the night.  I had noticed that her comb had flopped a few days ago and wondered if it was maybe significant in her dying.  She looked well and was behaving as normal so I thought it was nothing major, but maybe I was wrong? 

Having found this wonderful site I thought I could maybe found out the information from some experienced chicken lovers with a wealth of experience!!

Paula
Title: Re: Chickens Combs
Post by: joyfull on June 11, 2011, 14:42
not stupid afterall I knew exactly what you meant and I think it is a lovely phrase  :D.
As it wasn't always flopped over like a Leghorn it could be a symptom of a heart problem in which case there was probably nothing you could do.
Title: Re: Chickens Combs
Post by: p4ul4r on June 11, 2011, 16:18
Thanks Joyfull.

That makes me feel a little better, as long as she didnt suffer.

Paula