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

[iluvmychicks]

Hi Stephanie,

When birds are in production they go into what is called a bleaching sequence, it starts with the vent, eye ring, ear lobe, beak, bottom of feet, front of shank then hock. Once they bleach in the hock they have laid many eggs. Birds that brood for long periods of time will look ratty, they don't eat or drink like a bird that is not broody, so condition issues are definite. As long as they are eating a drinking once a day I would not see any reason for intervention on your part, it's very natural for cochins and silkies to sit. The cycle like clock work here-- lay then sit, after hatching eggs many times they will stop the brooding process, then the laying starts and the cycle starts all over again. Hope that helps.

Shari

 

[Funky Feathers]

Thanks, I feel better now. I put feed & water right there in the nesting box with them, and treats (like fruit) too. So I know they are eating & drinking daily (and pooping too, which I remove daily). They poop like cows, cow pies everywhere, big ole' turds!

 

[Coopa Cabana]

Quote:
And may I add 'Big ole' "STINKY - CLEAR THE ROOM" turds'!

Shari, does this "bleaching" sequence, as well as the enlarged comb, reverse itself at all once production falls off, i.e. in the winter, and then start all over again in the spring? Or is it just a permanent indication that they are at full maturity?

 

[iluvmychicks]

As far as cochins go when they stop laying the comb on my girls did return to it's normal state. The yellow in the feet, beak and skin returned as well. I have older hens that don't lay much anymore, they have beautiful combs along with yellow beak and yellow feet. My line doesn't get very big combs, but I do have a few girls I purchased from fellow breeders whos combs get enormous when in full production. That's why when I saw Stephs birds comb I knew right away that bird was laying like production bird.....lol.


Shari