pale combs and wattles

[macombcochick]

One of my buff orpingtons went through a terrible molt this winter, and now appears very pale in her comb and wattle. She is eating well and her activity level is fine, however, she has had a change in her personality-- she was the dominant hen in my flock of 4, but is now more stand off-ish of the rest. She hasn't yet started to lay again. I have fed them all the same-- feed supplimented with extra protein and fat sources for the winter cold. I have started adding food grade DE in case it might be worms. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Frost Homestead]

sometimes they can take a long time to come out of molt, dont be shocked if it takes several months. the pale comb and wattles is normal for a hen that has been molting, just means her hormones haven't kicked back in yet. hopefully she's start laying again soon

 

[Frost Homestead]

DE will not get rid of worms. I would recommend wazine in their water and one week later a dose of Ivermectin pour on.

 

[Judy]

I agree that at least some of the paleness is a lowered hormone level, related to not laying during the molt. However, this may be an excellent time to consider worming -- and DE will not worm them. I would recommend Valbazen. Give 0.5 ml by mouth to each, repeat in 10 days. Put it on something like a bite of bread; don't try adding it to the water. Valbazen is the only wormer that gets all worms that chickens get. Egg withdrawal is usually considered to be 21 days.

Here are a couple of resources.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ll-seeing-live-worms-in-poo/0_20#post_9315842

http://healthybirds.umd.edu/Disease/Deworming Birds.pdf

 

[macombcochick]

Thanks for all the info. I feel better about everything now.