comb shrunk and behaviour changes in one chicken of a 3 flock

[shoopsy65]

should we be worried or is this likely to be because of the colder weather now coming in? the other two chickens have had no changes to their combs. The chicken this is now affecting is staying in the coop a lot more. They are 9 months old.
Many thanks.
Shoopsy65

 

[azygous]

Behavior change is one of the first clues we have that one of our chickens is not well. But it's only a beginning jumping-off point to making a diagnosis.

The shrunken pale comb can indicate a problem in the reproductive system, such as infection or tumors. Or it can mean poor nutrition.

More observation is necessary to gain more insight as to what may be going on. Also a photo or two would help.

As far as observation, watch this pullet and see if she's eating or being driven from the feed. Feel her crop to see if she's eaten anything today, and feel it in the morning to see if it's full in spite of not eating.

What are you feeding? Is it fresh or does it smell spoiled? (Recently I got a bag of Purina Flock Raiser than smelled like mouse piss, full of stinking clumps.) Do they free-range? Is there a compost pile or leaking machinery in this area?

 

[Mrs. K]

She could be molting... but it might be a circulation problem too.

Chickens often are not real long lived, and any bird can have a genetic defect that does not really show up until they are full grown.

Thing is, I don't think there is a lot you can do about it, but make sure she is eating and getting enough water. You may loose her, but then you could say that about any bird either you or I have. Sometimes they die.

When they are not real active, it does send up red flags. Could be the other two are against her.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

This is what I do with a bird that is acting 'off':
I'd isolate bird in a wire cage within the coop for a day or two....so you can closely monitor their intake of food and water, crop function(checking at night and in morning before providing more feed), and their poops. Feel their abdomen, from below vent to between legs, for squishy or hard swelling.

Best to put crate right in coop or run so bird is still 'with' the flock.
I like to use a fold-able wire dog crate (24"L x 18"W x 21"H) with smaller mesh(1x2) on bottom of crate under tray.
Then you can put tray underneath crate to better observe droppings without it being stepped in. If smaller mesh is carefully installed, tray can still be used inside crate.

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