hen's comb and waddle have turned pink

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jgilliatt

jgilliatt

In the Brooder
9 Years
Jun 26, 2010
19
0
32
My favorite Jersey Black Giant - about 1 1/2 years old - appears to have lost weight and her comb, waddle, and area around her eyes have turned pink. I only have one other JBG, but she is still bright red. I feed them layer food and fresh water daily. They also get treats like seed, oatmeal, pasta, and bread occasionally. She is acting normal. Seems to be eating with the others. I think the color change and weight loss has been occurring over several weeks. During the last month we lost a hen to a raccoon and one to a hawk so there has been some drama in the flock. I am afraid that the color change is an indication of decline. I sure wouldn't want her to go into winter without her full strength. Any ideas?
 
Quote:
Is she losing feathers? this is the right age to molt. When they molt the comb generally will go pale and the chicken can look a bit 'off' ofr a while until the molt is over. Could also be worms or mites, but at that age I'd check for molting unless she's molted already.
 
Quote:
Is she losing feathers? this is the right age to molt. When they molt the comb generally will go pale and the chicken can look a bit 'off' ofr a while until the molt is over. Could also be worms or mites, but at that age I'd check for molting unless she's molted already.

x2 as a possibility. My girls' combs always look pale when they're going through a molt.
 
Appearances can be deceptive. She's not losing weight, she's losing feathers. She is also going to stop laying if she has not already. It would be a good time to worm her and then up her protein intake. She should be fine. When birds molt so late in the season it is a sign that she is a very productive bird. Lucky you. You got to love those JGs. My favorites, incidentally.

Good luck with her.
 
Thanks to all that replied. I really thought that she had already molted. I am not seeing lots of loose feathers recently. I'll try the worming and protein. Can I buy that at a feed store or should I order on line?
 

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