Is this normal comb and wattle development for 25 week old Speckled sussex and 22 week old buff orpington pullets?

[Melsbels]

Hi all, we have some beautiful Buff Orpington and speckled sussex pullets that are 22-25 weeks old. (the buff orpingtons have recently copped some aggression from a rescue hen that's now isolated from the others)

Are these normal comb & wattle developments for this age?

We have a 29 week old Buff orpington that is laying eggs daily with a bright red comb and wattles, her sister (the same age) has very pink/small comb and wattles.

Sorry if it seems like an odd question, we have raised them all from day old chicks.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

As long as they're happy and healthy, yes, it's normal. They're just maturing a little slower, those combs will pop up when they're ready to lay.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Side note - I'm curious what that dark spot/hole is on the Orpington girl's face?

 

[Melsbels]

Side note - I'm curious what that dark spot/hole is on the Orpington girl's face?

She was pecked by our rescue hen! It's a wound. Poor thing!

 

[TheOddOneOut]

She was pecked by our rescue hen! It's a wound. Poor thing!

Oof, vicious! Hopefully it doesn't leave a pockmark on her face.

 

[Melsbels]

Oof, vicious! Hopefully it doesn't leave a pockmark on her face.

I know! She's a nasty piece of work, we've questioned potentially having to rehome her. She's an older girl and doesn't lay eggs, but adores people. But she's done this to quite a few of our girls. We have another rescue girl Rosie (beautiful natured) 5 orpingtons, 4 speckled sussex and an Araucona - but this other rescue is mean! It's been 5 months. Shes in isolation now.

 

[Bawkbok]

So nice of you to take in a rescue hen. Like people, some animal personalities just don't mingle nicely despite your efforts. If she's non productive, perhaps she could find a home with someone who simply wants a 'support' chicken. Not sure how you would find that relationship.

On the comb and wattles -- I'm not that experienced yet but I think it's just different developmental rates per individual. We are experiencing the same thing with our pullets. One pullet's comb almost doubled in size overnight and she started laying a day later. The other pullets have smaller combs but all are red and they just recently starting laying - all are 6 months old. One pullet, smaller comb, still pink, is squatting but not yet laying. It seems to be the color of the comb that matters, from pink to red. At least that seems to be my observation with our girls. I wouldn't worry about it. Maybe take pictures every few days so you can compare growth and coloration.