Chickens earlobes turn white

[StellaStewart]

I have a chicken that wanders alot so I often find myself picking her up to carry her home. I have noticed that her red earlobes turn very pale by the time I have released her on our property. I have experimented with this by picking her up and watching her earlobes, and sure enough they turn white every time!

Is this because she is stressed from being held?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Chickens have problems breathing if squeezed too tightly or held upside down. It possible you are holding her too tightly or that she's stressed and it's causing her blood pressure to rise. So maybe try holding her differently. I hold both feet in one hand and my other hand under their chest supporting their weight.

 

[aart]

That's interesting.....do her comb and wattles get pale too?

I have observed that comb and wattles can get pale when they are relaxed and get redder when they are excited or very active. Drove me nuts when pullets were coming close to laying.

 

[StellaStewy]

It is just the earlobes, and u didn't think i would be holding her too tight! I will try supporting the feet! Thanks

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Interesting, that's not something I have paid attention to before.