Jurassic_Bawk
Chirping
I am probably just worrying too much but I came back after 5 days away (they had a chicken-sitter) to see my 3.5yr old sex link in rough shape. They have been molting but all of the sudden she seems to have a ton of bald patches/missing feathers. Her comb is also much floppier and the lobe at the back looks like it is turning blue/purple. I have been battling mucky butt issues with both of the birds in that coop but they seemed to be doing much better after a bath and some flock fixer. She seemed excited to see me, but was walking sort of hunched over, like not standing all the way up. When I picked her up she struggled around the normal amount. I have never seen any pests or egg masses on them but I am a newer chicken owner so I don't have a ton of experience. She has an injured or deformed beak and has always had trouble eating as much as the others.
There is a lot of AI in my area (Delaware) so as soon as I googled purple comb and saw AI I freaked out. Does this seem like normal molt behavior? They didn't molt this hard in past years but they are getting older.
Any help, advice, or reassurance is appreciated!
There is a lot of AI in my area (Delaware) so as soon as I googled purple comb and saw AI I freaked out. Does this seem like normal molt behavior? They didn't molt this hard in past years but they are getting older.
Any help, advice, or reassurance is appreciated!