Orpington with bluish red comb

[Chichisx5]

I have a 6 year old Orpington hen.
She still lays eggs. I noticed when she is let out to free range (spring 2024)her comb turns bluish red once she has been moving around a lot.
Once she’s back in the hen house for a short time (maybe 15 minutes) it looks normal color (rosy red). I lost an Orpington about 8 months ago to water belly so I’m familiar with the signs. I keep thinking it could be an aging hen..I mean she is 6 years old and some are shocked she is still laying. I know it could be beginning of water belly but thought someone out there may know something I don’t.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. I only know that circulation issues can cause bluish combs.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

So sorry about your hen. When combs turn bluish or dark, it's generally a heart/circulation problem. She's an old gal, she no doubt has heart disease at her age.

Is her belly squishy too? If so, she may have congestive heart failure.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. The Best of Luck with your Hen. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Welcome! Six years is a ripe old age for a hen. She must be very special to you.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!

Sorry about your hen. It’s so hard with some of them.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Can you post a picture of her showing the darkened comb?

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! Good luck with your hen.