Below 0 temps sick looking chicken

[belindaschicks]

Temps have been well below zero for days now wind chill below zero for over a week. My one hen is very skinny and comb very pale to the point it's almost white. My run is covered and sides also cover in plastic with 1 foot on top open all around for ventilation. Their house has proper ventilation as well. She has access to homemade suet, flock block, oatmeal with mealworms in the morning, feed and water. I am considering bringing her inside with other chicken ( recovering from hawk attack) for a short time to see if the warmth and some tlc will help. Question is has anyone else had this happen during a time of extreme cold? Or should I be looking for another cause?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have a couple of birds that look sick, but they are only cold. They sit hunched up and don't move much. Mine are fine, they are just cold.

Bringing a bird inside is problematic this time of year as even one day can mess them up more and cause stress, so carefully consider if it's in the birds best interest.

I check if mine are doing okay by throwing out scratch or treats. Healthy birds will start moving and eating, sick birds generally won't eat. The weather changed pretty quickly, so many birds haven't acclimated yet.

It's normal for combs to shrink up in winter. A bit of white at the tip of the comb could indicate a bit of frostbite, which can make them feel unwell. It will heal up without any intervention.

 

[junebuggena]

Bring her in and check her thoroughly for mites. The pale comb suggest anemia, and this time of year, mites are the prime suspects.