Comb and wattles

[Lisadarby]

I have a buff Orpington whose comb and wattles are very pale, not deep red like my other three hens. Is this something I should be worried about? She is at the bottom of the pecking order but otherwise seems healthy.

 

[ChickNanny13]

How old is she? Is she laying? A picture would be helpful...If she's not laying, younger than the rest, eating & healthy, I'm thinking she's just "immature". I have 4 that are about 25wks, only within the past couple of days I've noticed their combs/wattles are finally getting some color, know it'll still be awhile before I see any squatting or eggs

 

[Lisadarby]

How old is she? Is she laying? A picture would be helpful...If she's not laying, younger than the rest, eating & healthy, I'm thinking she's just "immature". I have 4 that are about 25wks, only within the past couple of days I've noticed their combs/wattles are finally getting some color, know it'll still be awhile before I see any squatting or eggs

She is 1 1/2 years old, laying and has been broody 3 to 4 times at least. I'll try to get a photo tomorrow! Thanks for your help

 

[Eggcessive]

She may be ready to molt at 18 months. Molting or broody hens are usually not laying, and thus, will have a paler comb. But it is always a good idea to look them over for evidence of mites, just in case she is anemic from that.

 

[ChickNanny13]

2x Eggcessive

 

[Lisadarby]

She may be ready to molt at 18 months. Molting or broody hens are usually not laying, and thus, will have a paler comb. But it is always a good idea to look them over for evidence of mites, just in case she is anemic from that.

I have 4 different breed chickens and can tell who's laying by size and color. She's definitely laying about every other day and I have found some feathers that could be hers? If she is molting it's really just starting. I tried to check her for mites but not sure what I'm looking for?

 

[ChickNanny13]

Check the feathering by her vent, under wings, tail area....You'll see them. Or run you hand under the roosting areas, or stick you hand into the nesting material, you'll feel them crawling. Another way is at night when it's really dark, go looking with a flashlight on the roosting areas or surfaces. Search "bird mites/lice" on the internet...

 

[Lisadarby]

Thanks a lot! I'll have to take a closer look...she's pretty timid so it's easier to catch her in the morning. Would the other hens also have them if she does? I'll also look tonight with a flashlight.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I would think so but have read not always.