Pale comb on Black Australorp hen

[genesis1981]

Hi all
I may be overthinking this but I want to post anyway. I have 3 BA hens, maybe 9 months old. I noticed a molt happening about 6 weeks aho once it got colder here in Maryland but only one of my hens changed in appearance. Her comb went damn near grey by comparison to her sisters and her feathers got super thin around her head. None of my chickens have done the really heavy molt yet where they get scrawny looking. I mostly just notice the feathers around the coop and run.
Anyway she is acting her usual peppy self but her appearance is not going back to normal and she is definitely at the bottom of the pecking order now- she falls back when i bring treats I have to set them aside for her to get her to feel comfortable eating. She does eat fine but she is acting pretty shy. She used to be the pushiest chicken of my 3.
Is this cause for concern or just the way some hens handle molting? Pics attached.

 

[Chullicken]

The chicken world is a very hierarchy food-driven one at best and it is usually very apparent what birds are at the bottom. Typically dominate hens will have a very bright comb to indicate breeding availability and to indicate egg-laying. You'll notice as time goes bye when they molt and are not laying so prolifically their combs will go from a bright hue to a very subtle tone. It's awesome you spend enough time with your ladies to know one is at the bottom and she will do the behavior you're describing. What I like to do is take some time here and there and get that low ranking bird alone so they're able to get some treats and ensure they're being fed. Another little tip is to make sure if they're cooped, that there is adequate space for roosting and possibly set up more than one feed/water station. This has been shown to lower aggression and also help with low ranking members of the flock to get what they need to thrive. Good luck with them~ P.S. Also make sure she's getting enough water, dehydration causes pale combs as long as intestinal issues such as worms. Just sounds like its a cold weather thing with your lady~ Keep us updated XD

 

[featherhead007]

It's easy to notice small changes, when we are so close to our animals!

 

[genesis1981]

The chicken world is a very hierarchy food-driven one at best and it is usually very apparent what birds are at the bottom. Typically dominate hens will have a very bright comb to indicate breeding availability and to indicate egg-laying. You'll notice as time goes bye when they molt and are not laying so prolifically their combs will go from a bright hue to a very subtle tone. It's awesome you spend enough time with your ladies to know one is at the bottom and she will do the behavior you're describing. What I like to do is take some time here and there and get that low ranking bird alone so they're able to get some treats and ensure they're being fed. Another little tip is to make sure if they're cooped, that there is adequate space for roosting and possibly set up more than one feed/water station. This has been shown to lower aggression and also help with low ranking members of the flock to get what they need to thrive. Good luck with them~ P.S. Also make sure she's getting enough water, dehydration causes pale combs as long as intestinal issues such as worms. Just sounds like its a cold weather thing with your lady~ Keep us updated XD

I took your advice as of last week and started giving her treats separately and I think its made her more perky. The comb is still super pale but it's just crazy how normal she is still acting. Her feathers are just so thin around her head it is very odd to me theyre not fluffing up again! Thank you for all your help!

 

[genesis1981]

It's easy to notice small changes, when we are so close to our animals!

I think if I had a bigger flock I might not have even noticed!