Bantom with pale comb/head for 1 month

[eBird]

Hello and thank you for reading my post.

One of my one year old bantoms – perhaps a Mille Fleur d'Uccle (I am not sure due to adoption) – has had a very pale head and comb for the past month. Additionally, while she was top chicken a month ago, she is now skittish, gets pecked on, and refuses to be picked up.

Unfortunately, I am not familiar with her eating patterns and bowel movements as my family has had to take care of my chickens during my long absence.

I wonder if anyone has some advice – supplements I might try etc. I would like to avoid taking her to the vet due to financial constraints, but also want to be sure she is well!

Thank you for any insights!

 

[chicklover 1998]

could she be molting because their usual red will turn lighter during molting.

 

[eBird]

I wish she was molting and that was the answer.

I do not want to get ahead of myself, but is lymphoid leukosis common? The timing (nearing the age of maturity) and symptoms (pale comb) align.

I will see my chicken this weekend and look for the other symptoms: loss of appetite, diarrhea, weakness, enlarged kidney/enlarged abdomen.

Any other advice welcomed!

 

[chicklover 1998]

I haven't heard of that one but keep bumping this thread and maybe one of the other more experienced people will chime in, like eggcesive or cartspony

 

[eBird]

Wanted to make another call out for advice. Pale comb advice? What might I look for or try?