floppy combs

[deidreschultz]

i have (4) 21 week old red sex links. 3 have been laying for about 3 weeks now. their combs used to stand straight up, but the 3 that are laying are kinda starting to lay over to one side. is this normal or are they lacking something in their diets. ( or are they like human females after giving birth everything kinda goes south forever) i feed layer pellets, they have a bowl of oyster shell, i give them a little plate of fresh fruits and veggies every morning. they do not free range due to predators. i do give them acv in the water. i give them cayenne pepper and de power in their feed.
oh the 4th hen layed an egg about a week ago and nothing since. she's eating, drinking, and acting fine do i need to be worried about her. all info is appreciated
thanks
dd

 

[DTchickens]

It really depends, floppy combs can come from them being too big (like leghorns) so they can't stand up straight.. Or if they are pale, it's probably most likely worms or some other kind of illness.. Have you wormed them lately?

 

[deidreschultz]

i give them cayenne pepper in their feed everytime i fill it up. i saw it on one of threads on here. is that good enough? my rir roos have large combs that stand straight up. if the hens have worms wouldn't the roos?

 

[DTchickens]

Quote:
Not really, the worms can only be in who came in contact with them. The cayenne pepper is supposed to work (though i've never tried it), but it is more of a preventative measure than a actual worming "Supply" same as the garlic. I'd look into a good wormer and give it to them at least 1-2 times a year (depending on the type).



ETA: Are the birds skinny feeling? Try checking them for mites/lice too..

 

[deidreschultz]

They are all very healthy looking as far as weight and feathers. never seen worms in their poo. do dust with de to prevent mites. again they look healthy just wilting little combs.

 

[DTchickens]

Quote:
Well they may be just hot.. I mean, in hot weather i have seen combs go pale/flop over due to less blood flow (or that's what i figured). Or like i said it could just big huge combs, about laying age it seems a lot of them will hit "growth spurts". It's hard to tell without really seeing them or knowing the whole situation.

 

[Judy]

You aren't usually going to see worms in the poo until the worm infestation is really heavy, if then.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=2525157#p2525157