Help! Comb all bloody! WHy?

[new2chickens2011]

Hi,
So my favorite hen, Ruth the Black Australorp's comb is all bloody. THis morning when I went out to feed them I checked for eggs in the nest box and I saw blood! So I went out to see all the chickens and sure enough, Ruth's comb had a LOT of blood on it. She ate with the others like normal, and then I brought her out to examine her. As soon as we picked her up she wouldn't stop pooping all over us, which she never does, and it was all liquid-y. I cleaned most of the blood off, and noticed she was panting alot and her mouth was open. ANd feathers all ruffled. Maybe just because it's hot? But the others weren't doing that. So anyway, I have her off by herself with some food and water.
WHat could have happened? No other signs of a fight! There was a little blood on my Orpington hen's feathers, but it looks like Ruth probably just brushed up against her. Ruth is a very mild mannered chicken and all the girls seem to get along. Is she sick? Aarrrgh. Help! Thanks

 

[dawg53]

Ruth is probably on or near the bottom of the pecking order. She was probably on the nest box trying to lay an egg when a senior hen wanted to use the same nest box. Ruth was the loser and got beat up badly.

 

[CrazyChickLuver]

I'd have to agree with dawg53 that she might be at the bottome of the pecking order. If you have roosters they might have accidentally pecked or plucked her comb. What does the wound look like? For now I would just continue to check on her every now and then and make sure that she is drinking and eating healthily and possibly put neosporin on the wound and keep it as clean as possible so it doesn't get infected.

 

[new2chickens2011]

Honestly, it probably sounds stupid but I can't really find a wound! SHe's not bleeding anymore and appears to be eating and drinking fine. Should I put her back with the others?

 

[dawg53]

Honestly, it probably sounds stupid but I can't really find a wound! SHe's not bleeding anymore and appears to be eating and drinking fine. Should I put her back with the others?

I dont see any reason why not. Just observe her for awhile if you have the time.

 

[new2chickens2011]

Thanks for your help! She seems to be alright with the others.