How do u get those bright red combs/wattles?

[21hens-incharge]

Do older chickens have paler combs and wattles? I got one that was sick when I got her. She is getting better but don't know if I need to add some extra nutrients or anything to her food. I think she is blind so she doesn't find food and water easily so not sure how much water she gets. I am giving her wet layer food and she eats it up.

This thread is really old. Many very knowledgeable people may see the age of this thread and not even read it.

You may want to start a new thread in the managing your flock section.

It sounds like you may have a special needs bird.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

This thread is really old. Many very knowledgeable people may see the age of this thread and not even read it.... you may want to start a new thread in the managing your flock section.... It sounds like you may have a special needs bird.

The only time in 70 years I have seen chickens that would not eat corn is when the chickens in question had never seen the kind of corn they were being fed. Once the flock figured out that those colorful funny looking penny shaped round things were actually Indian corn kernels they started to eat it with gusto. Took about 3 days for the flock to come around to my way of feeding.

 

[aart]

Do older chickens have paler combs and wattles?

Any female chicken that is not actively laying eggs will have a smaller and paler comb. Her's doesn't look that pale, is she laying?

 

[Cheryl Martin]

No she is not laying. We just recently got her on Christmas Eve and have been working to get her healthy. I think she is blind. If you zoom on the pic, you can see her eyes are closed. She keeps them closed all the time unless startled and then only opens momentarily. She is living in a dog crate in the basement to keep her warm and to keep a close eye on her and make sure she is eating. So I've been dealing with just trying to get some nutrition in her before dealing with the eyes and comb. But I was wondering if the coloring might be a indicator of something else I need to check. Thanks for the response

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Do older chickens have paler combs and wattles? I got one that was sick when I got her. She is getting better but don't know if I need to add some extra nutrients or anything to her food. I think she is blind so she doesn't find food and water easily so not sure how much water she gets. I am giving her wet layer food and she eats it up.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/our-silkie-keeping-eyes-closed.1164474/#post-19392929

I'm following this thread closely for any ideas I might be able to use. I recently got a barred rock (grown, but with unknown history) who doesn't open her eyes.She shows some of the same symptoms as yours where she turns her head like she is listening. But can't find food easily, just pecks at the ground close to the food bowl. I think she was starving when I got her. Very weak and didn't move at all. Looked like she was sleeping all the time. Now she is inside and I hand feed her wet food and water to make sure she is eating enough. She was very weak at first but since I have been basically putting the food in her face, she is eating very well now and has perked up. But, she still won't open her eyes. So you may have to be intentional about making sure she eats.

@Cheryl Martin
How is your hen?
You posted on 2older threads - we will try to help you, but sometimes it's better to start a new thread so your questions/concerns can be seen by more people and you may get more suggestions.

You feel like she may be partially blind? Does she ever open her eyes - do they look normal or do they have any glazing or what might look like cataracts?

In the photo you posted, my first thought is this girl is sick! Photos of her poop may be helpful.

Check her crop- is it emptying overnight? In the photo looks like she has a full crop.

Since she is new to you, go through her feathers really well, check for lice/mites.
If you have a vet run a fecal float to rule out worms and coccidiosis overload that would be good.
Give her a good going over for any wounds/bruises, swelling/bloat of the abdomen, any indication that joints/legs/feet are tender when manipulated, etc.

An unknown history and thinking she may not have been fed well previously - it won't hurt to offer some poultry vitamins for few days in a row, then once a week. Up her protein with a treat of egg, tuna or meat, you can also give her chick starter or flock raiser if you have it. Oyster shell and poultry grit free choice (on the side)

Hopefully she is just needing some time with hydration and nutrition, let us know how she is.