Do combs continually change colors?

[murdeb]

Sometimes my BO's combs are bright red and other times they look more pink! Is it possible they change colors during the course of a day? Does that dictate their mood? They have not begun to lay yet.

 

[Tracydr]

Their probably getting close to lay. I noticed mine going back and forth for a couple of weeks before changing to bright red. My silver leghorns seemd to be the most noticable. They also seemed to get much bigger, almost overnight and some of them flopped over to one side.
Then, when they stop laying (age, molting, illness) they will get pale.

 

[murdeb]

Interesting...........thanks for the info!

 

[aubreynoramarie]

Even after they lay their combs will get brighter and lighter. It does not reflect their moods, but sometimes a paler comb can mean an ill chicken. Not always though, somedays they are just more pale than others. Remember, the red we see is bloodflow through the comb. Less bloodflow = less red. nothing to be alarmed about

 

[teach1rusl]

I sometimes think it's hormonally related too...when my girls (including the ones who've been laying for years) are getting ready to lay an egg, their combs brighten up considerably...within minutes to an hour later, the comb is noticeably lighter.
And of course, as was mentioned, illness and nutrient issues can causes changes. When my girls molt, they're combs appear pale, smaller, and somewhat dried. When they've recovered from their molt, their combs become full and bright again.

 

[Katydid2011]

I'd only worry if the paleness is accompanied by listlessness or some other sign of ill health. Purple combs are also something to be concerned about, as it indicates a lack of oxygen and possible respiratory infection.