Cochin hen's comb? Is something wrong with her?

[Funky Feathers]

Hi, just recently my Splash Cochin hen's comb flopped over like a leghorn's. Is this normal/OK? Or is it a genetic defect or a sign of illness? I just treated her for mites. Anyone?

 

[Funky Feathers]

Anyone know?

 

[encorepistol]

Not really sure why it would do that but the comb and wattles look verry big to be a pullet.My hens and pullets all hav e verry small combs and wattles

 

[Funky Feathers]

I know she is a hen, she has been laying for 3 months straight. But what would cause her comb to flop?

 

[usschicago1]

Its genetic. Absolutly nothing wrong with her just never use her for breeding.

 

[iluvmychicks]

Sometimes cochin combs can get very large when they are in full production, She appears healthy to me, nice and red like birds look when they are in full production. She also looks to have a bleached beak which also tell me she's laying pretty heavy. If your breeding for exhibition birds I would not cross her with a large comb male, that would most likely carry on into the next generation.


Shari

 

[Funky Feathers]

Thanks Shari, yes, she is laying very heavily. I'm so glad that's what that is. Wow, you are a real Cochin encyclopedia!

I don't plan to breed for show birds, just for pets & 4-H. As you can see, my Cochins are not round balls of feathers like yours. Personally I like the pet "type" better. I breed more for color than type on my cochins. Thanks so much for your expertise.

 

[iluvmychicks]

Your welcome Stephanie, the most important part of raising poultry is to have fun, doens't matter if it's for pets or show, just enjoy what you do. Good luck with your cochins they are a wonderful breed to raise.

Shari

 

[Funky Feathers]

Hey Shari, My Mille Fleur (project) Cochin hens have been sitting on eggs for me (this is their 2nd batch), call duck eggs this time, so not laying in the last 2 months. They already laid heavily before they went broody. Their combs & faces are kinda pale and dry looking, is that why? B/c they have been setting so long? Or do they need medical attention? I don't have any recent pics to show you. Can you tell me without pics? If not I will get some tomorrow. Thanks Shari!

ETA: They get excellent nutrition, tomorrow is Cantaloupe (treats) day.

 

[Coopa Cabana]

Stephanie, just sent you a PM.

~Gail