Hens comb changing, shrinking with photos

[PrettyBirdRocky]

From what I'm reading, hen combs do shrink during winter, molt and non laying. As this is their first winter, I'm guessing that is the issue.

Our HeadHen (her name not exactly position)(in previous posts) generally had a huge floppy comb, and we noticed the other day, after the weather decided to change from summer to winter in a week lol, that her comb was sticking upright and more pink than vibrant red.

As I am more of a visual person I've added some photos, she's the one in the middle with the still funky shaped comb but it's sticking up, with some previous photos of her as well.

Black Australorp (TSC hatchery) 32weeks old now.

 

[Rose the Legbar]

Some hens stop laying their first winter and molt as well.

 

[Bertram]

The comb is used to help regulate body temperature. When it's hot out, the comb expands. When it is cold, the comb will shrink so there is less surface area and less heat is lost.
Combs will also turn pale if the hen is not laying. Some hens do keep laying eggs during molt though, and their combs will stay red.

 

[PrettyBirdRocky]

The comb is used to help regulate body temperature. When it's hot out, the comb expands. When it is cold, the comb will shrink so there is less surface area and less heat is lost.
Combs will also turn pale if the hen is not laying. Some hens do keep laying eggs during molt though, and their combs will stay red.

Thanks. Her comb has been big and floppy since she was right weeks old, we had thought she was a roo to begin with lol