Hens comb gone light?

[Theck1722]

A couple of my Red Star hens have recently had their combs get a lot more pale colored. Everyone is healthy. What causes this?
Pic uploaded. The hen in question there is the red girl on the right.

 

[LaFleche]

Welcome to BYC!

How old is your hen and when did she last lay an egg?

With decreasing hormonal activity the combs will shrink and get paler, so in case she is taking a break from laying or starting to moult the paler comb will be a first sign.

 

[Theck1722]

Thank you!
She is just 9 months old. I don’t know when she specifically laid last unfortunately. I have 8 laying hens and I get 6-7 eggs a day.

 

[aart]

The hen in question there is the red girl on the right.

She's got a bit of frostbite, that black tip will likely fall off eventually.

 

[Theck1722]

She's got a bit of frostbite, that black tip will likely fall off eventually.

Oh no, I saw that spot on her and assumed it was our roo. I watched him grab on to their combs and drag them all over. Finally got rid of him a couple days ago. They have a vent up in the top of their coop. Would it help or make it worse to leave their small chicken door open for more air?

 

[aart]

Would it help or make it worse to leave their small chicken door open for more air?

Not sure. Post pics of your coop and run and also your geographical location.
But really sometimes FB is inevitable, that little bit is really of no big concern just leave it alone to heal.

 

[LaFleche]

At her age she should not take a break from egg laying or start to molt, so I assume that it might have been the stress from your rooster. With him gone now, she should recover soon enough.

 

[Theck1722]

Not sure. Post pics of your coop and run and also your geographical location.
But really sometimes FB is inevitable, that little bit is really of no big concern just leave it alone to heal.

Thank you for the advice! We are in the panhandle of Texas. 40-50 degree days and 20s at night are our typical winter temps. No negative temperatures or anything crazy. I clean the coop once a week to prevent extra moisture. I’m honestly shocked she could have frostbite.

 

[Theck1722]

At her age she should not take a break from egg laying or start to molt, so I assume that it might have been the stress from your rooster. With him gone now, she should recover soon enough.

I was wondering if that could affect her. It’s definitely much more peaceful in the chicken yard these last few days. Thank you for the info. Really hoping she gets back to laying!

 

[LaFleche]

Thank you for the advice! We are in the panhandle of Texas. 40-50 degree days and 20s at night are our typical winter temps. No negative temperatures or anything crazy. I clean the coop once a week to prevent extra moisture. I’m honestly shocked she could have frostbite.

Installing a poop board underneath the roosts will make it easier to clean out the nightly droppings and keep the coop dry.