Hen w/swollen comb -- help!

[LeahH19]

Hi new here ...
I have one hen -- 4 y.o. buff orpington -- her comb has gone purple and the top is swollen. The bottom, toward her beak, is smaller, almost atrophied. She's moving slowly and seems chilled -- she's fluffed up where my other hens are not. She's the only one doing this and other than being mildly lethargic and having the issue with the comb, she is behaving normally -- eating, drinking, moving.
I have no idea what this could be or what is the appropriate next step. I have separated her from the other hens but done nothing else out of the ordinary.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Leah

 

[Higins00]

Is it cold where you are? Could be frostbite.

 

[LeahH19]

It's been in the 20s and 30s, so yes. I'm nervous that she's got an infection ... we've had chickens for about 8 years and never a sick one, so I don't know what I'm looking for.
What does one do for frostbite on a chicken?

 

[Higins00]

I know it will turn black. You are suposed to put vasaline on it to protect it. It may die off if it's bad. Sounds likes she's cold if she's fluffed. Can you bring her in somewhere for a few days and see how she does?

 

[LeahH19]

Yes, I think we'll have her in the house for a bit and see what happens. Thanks!

 

[chickerdoodle]

Once its dead its dead and I think (not 100% positive though) purple may be already dead or too far gone. I hope someone else says differently.

To help prevent frostbite you can put some Vaseline on the combs and wattles. Making sure there is good ventilation in the hen house is important as any moisture build up will freeze quickly on combs and wattles when the chicken goes out doors. This means its better to have good ventilation than a tightly closed up house even in really cold weather (no direct drafts though).

Purple comb can also mean lack of oxygen. I'd take her indoors and make her comfy and warm and give some scrambles or chopped hard cooked eggs and if she'll eat her normal feed. Add vitamins and minerals to her water (as long as she'll drink it) and see if that helps. Does she still lay eggs?