Getting bright red combs

[calpal212]

How do I get my show chickens bright red combs? I always see beautiful combs and wattles and mine have kinda ashy dull combs.

 

[Pork Pie]

How old are you chickens? Pullets usually develop red combs when they are reaching laying age. I have observed a change in comb colour over the course of a day in some of my hens.

If they are of laying age and their combs are not red, it could be down to a few things, but firstly I'd suggest adding some vitamin supplements / electrolytes to their water and ensure that you are feeding them proprietary feed with any "treats" constituting less than 10% of their daily feed. There may well be other causes, but this course of action will certainly help you rule out nutrient deficiencies.

All the best
CT

 

[calpal212]

Well these guys are about 9 months now and are laying but they are for showing and their combs are red but kind of ashy and don't look very red

 

[Pork Pie]

I'd say that if they are laying as frequently as you'd expect for that breed, then they are happy enough - red comb or not, but I'd still give 'em some vitamin supplements in their water every now and again.

CT

 

[calpal212]

Ok thank you

 

[Pork Pie]

You are most welcome

CT

 

[drumstick diva]

Have you checked them for internal parasites, or mites and lice? Any of those could compromise their appearance and health. If you talk to others that show, or observe them, I wonder if they use a bit of Vaseline on the combs to bring out the shine.

 

[calpal212]

Yes they are parasite free, I thought about Vaseline because maybe the combs are a little dry because of how dry it is where I live