Comb Shrinkage

[Eggstatic1727]

My 33 week old Black Copper Maran stopped laying about 4 weeks ago. She was consonantly laying every 1-2 days before then since she was about 25 weeks old.
I thought it was due to the sunlight and that it was normal this time of year for that to happen. Other than the no egg-laying, her health seemed impeccable. She was eating and drinking just fine, she picked on her two sisters (33 week old eggers) like she always did, she seemed energetic when ranging in the backyard.

Well one day ago I noticed her comb had significantly shrunk. It was sort of alarming to come out to her and notice how much smaller it was. She is not losing her feathers, I believe she is too young to molt even. I have monitored her the past day and half, she still seems normal, eating, drinking, and still active. She doesn't seem to be itching as far as having possible pests.

I just wanted some advice on what you guys have encountered with this. She is my star girl and if there is something I should be looking out for as far as her health, any advice would be great.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Combs shrink and lose color when a hen goes out of lay. I see it on most of my hens during winter.

Those that continue to lay will often still have the bright red coloring, but the comb will be smaller.

A comb has two functions, one as a visual indicator of health and reproduction status, and two, it is also used to diffuse body heat, especially in summer. In winter the comb shrinks to help maintain heat and to prevent frost bite.

Combs will also shrink when a chicken is sick, so behavior of your birds will help you determine why the comb is smaller and lighter in color.