Ok.. Or not ok?

[sara1226]

I have a RIR girl who is right around 12 months old. She hasn't layed an egg in a few weeks, and she just doesn't seem like herself. She does eat and drink normally, but she is the last one to come out in the morning. She is molting just a little, and a friend of mine, also a chicken owner said that most chickens around a year old stop laying for awhile because their bodies kind of go through like a resetting period. The only other thing I observed is that her comb is turning a more pale purplish color. I will try to take a picture of her tomorrow. Another thing to consider is that the weather here recently changed. It went from the high 70s to frost at night in just a week and a half... I live in northern Wisconsin and weather here is terrible. It seemed like she started acting different right when the weather changed, but maybe it's a coincidence. She has no runny nose or eyes, no signs of respiratory issues... No signs of lice or mites.

Help please! She is a sweet hen and very much loved.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Weather changes can bring on illness, a pale purple comb is a sign of some diseases. Also this time of year there's lots of wild birds spreading illness as well, I'm in central Wisconsin so I'm familiar with your situation.

Hens will stop laying in the fall to molt, if your hen was hatched last year that's probably what's going on, the comb color fades to pink and it shrinks down during winter.

 

[sara1226]

Weather changes can bring on illness, a pale purple comb is a sign of some diseases. Also this time of year there's lots of wild birds spreading illness as well, I'm in central Wisconsin so I'm familiar with your situation.

Hens will stop laying in the fall to molt, if your hen was hatched last year that's probably what's going on, the comb color fades to pink and it shrinks down during winter.

Thanks so much! I didn't know combs shrink too! I've only had chickens since May, so I'm still learning. She really has no other signs of illness. Stools look healthy, clean nostrils and eyes. I will post a picture of her in the morning, and maybe you could tell me what you think. Are you in the Wausau are by chance? I'm just over an hour from there.

Thanks again!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I am closer to Wisconsin Rapids, my RIR have molted or are almost done, and they are done laying for the year, I'm guessing that's what's going on with yours. Now that I think about it they do have a slight purple tinge to their combs in winter probably because of their feather color.

 

[sara1226]

I am closer to Wisconsin Rapids, my RIR have molted or are almost done, and they are done laying for the year, I'm guessing that's what's going on with yours. Now that I think about it they do have a slight purple tinge to their combs in winter probably because of their feather color.

Pictures to follow..

 

[sara1226]

That's wonderful... Can't attach the pictures on here from my iPhone. It's not even giving me the option to post a picture here. How frustrating!!