Hi lizardand chicks , the other time that this will happen is during molt. Not all the birds combs will shrink so drastically or pale drastically. That is why you will see different situations. Older birds and birds that are experiencing a hard (extreme) molt will shrink and lighten the most...
Hi , Lisa. I really like that pool idea. And its a cute picture too. I live on a hill of clay. The clay will breakdown and make good baths , but once wet it takes a while to breakdown again. You will have to show this picture to all of those folks that have a similar problem, or limited space...