Hens with pale combs

[PioneerPrincess]

Several of our hens have abnormally pale combs. One hen in particular has had this since May. We live in Texas where the temperature is in the high 90's.

1) What type of bird , age and weight: White Plymouth Rocks, NHR; 1 & 1/2 years; WPR's about 5 lbs & NHR about 8 lbs
2) What is the behavior, exactly: They have normal behavior other than panting a lot (because of this Texas heat!)
3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms? One of them especially for at least a month
4) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma. No
5) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation. Nothing
6) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all. Laying pellets, veggie scraps, water
7) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc. It looks normal
8) What has been the treatment you have administered so far? Nothing
9 ) What is your intent as far as treatment? For example, do you want to treat completely yourself, or do you need help in stabilizing the bird til you can get to a vet? Treat myself
10) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help.
11) Describe the housing/bedding in use Alfalfa hay in nesting boxes


Thank you for all your help!

 

[shelleyd2008]

They are probably molting, have you seen any excess feathers laying around? The heat will also cause their combs to lighten, the combs will be back to red before you know it

 

[kelar]

Make sure they don't have mites or other external parasites which can cause blood loss enough to lighten combs. Otherwise, they may just be in heavy egg production. Hens have a tendency to "bleach" at the comb when laying heavily, where a non-laying hen will have a much brighter & redder comb.