Comb of momma

[caleb lentchner]

The comb of my chicken who was brooding for over 2 1/2 months is barely there. Her eggs hacked two weeks ago and momma and chicks seem to be in very good health besides the comb. Is it normal for the comb to deteriorate? Will it come back? How long should it take ? attached are pic of mom and one of her sisters with full comb.

I love that there are informed people out there willing to help! truly thankful for your feedback

 

[Perris]

it will come back - it's a sign of how much being a broody has taken out of her. Make sure she's getting the best feed you can offer (chick feed is good) and she and it'll bounce back. It is completely normal btw

 

[cherrynberry]

it will come back - it's a sign of how much being a broody has taken out of her. Make sure she's getting the best feed you can offer (chick feed is good) and she and it'll bounce back. It is completely normal btw

Agreed

 

[caleb lentchner]

it will come back - it's a sign of how much being a broody has taken out of her. Make sure she's getting the best feed you can offer (chick feed is good) and she and it'll bounce back. It is completely normal btw

should i add elector-lights ot water?

 

[cherrynberry]

should i add elector-lights ot water?

Its not needed. Give her some time. She will probably molt as well.

 

[lomine]

This is normal, like when they molt. She doesn't need electrolytes but she'd probably benefit from more protein if she's on a lower protein layer feed. It will help her put back on the weight she lost while brooding.

 

[aart]

Comb is typical of a non-laying hen.
It will plump back up once she is laying again.

 

[Mrs. K]

She is not laying, because she is raising chicks. The red comb is a signal to the rooster, that mating can be done and effective. At this time, she is not laying, and not needing to be bred.

About 4-6 weeks, one day, she will forget her chicks. They will just be other birds in the flock. She won't 'mind' them. Within a few days, her comb will redden up and plump up and she will begin to lay again.

If you are in the northern hemisphere, and the days are really short, she may not begin to lay again until after January.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

Within a few days, her comb will redden up and plump up and she will begin to lay again.

Can take up to several weeks or so, especially if she molts.

If you are in the northern hemisphere, and the days are really short, she may not begin to lay again until after January.

Ditto Dat.

 

[MountainWoman73]

Nice looking chicks, by the way.