Pale comb on older (broody) hen

[77horses]

*ETA: I read somewhere that paleness in broody hens is totally normal. Can anyone confirm this?

Hi fellow BYCers,
I have an older hen (around 6 years old, maybe more) who was adopted from a neglectful situation about 7 months ago. When I took her in, I dusted for lice, added nutridrench to her water for a few weeks, got her eating good quality layer pellets, fresh water, etc...she has been doing great ever since. She recently just hatched out a few chicks (she’s a Cochin mix so she’s broody all the time and I finally decided to give her some hatching eggs that I ordered online- we don’t have a rooster).
First pic (June 7th):

Second pic (today):

Today I noticed that her comb looks very pale. Please see pics. The first pic is the most recent prior one I have of her, from June 7th, while the second pic is from today. She has no other symptoms- no lethargy, still eating and drinking as usual. Not laying because she’s been broody. My first thought is anemia caused by mites, lice or worms. I checked her over and didn’t find any signs of mites or lice. So the next guess is worms. I haven’t seen any in her stools, but it’s also hard to tell because I have two other hens. The two others came from the same neglectful situation, have also done great since I got them and are looking fine- no pale combs on them.
I’m going to check her stool when I get the chance.
Should I just go ahead and deworm the whole flock? I have Wazine on hand. Can Wazine hurt them if they don’t end up having worms?
Could pale comb be due to older age or being broody?
Thanks

 

[CSAchook]

*ETA: I read somewhere that paleness in broody hens is totally normal. Can anyone confirm this?

Hi fellow BYCers,
I have an older hen (around 6 years old, maybe more) who was adopted from a neglectful situation about 7 months ago. When I took her in, I dusted for lice, added nutridrench to her water for a few weeks, got her eating good quality layer pellets, fresh water, etc...she has been doing great ever since. She recently just hatched out a few chicks (she’s a Cochin mix so she’s broody all the time and I finally decided to give her some hatching eggs that I ordered online- we don’t have a rooster).
First pic (June 7th):
View attachment 1832625

Second pic (today):
View attachment 1832626
Today I noticed that her comb looks very pale. Please see pics. The first pic is the most recent prior one I have of her, from June 7th, while the second pic is from today. She has no other symptoms- no lethargy, still eating and drinking as usual. Not laying because she’s been broody. My first thought is anemia caused by mites, lice or worms. I checked her over and didn’t find any signs of mites or lice. So the next guess is worms. I haven’t seen any in her stools, but it’s also hard to tell because I have two other hens. The two others came from the same neglectful situation, have also done great since I got them and are looking fine- no pale combs on them.
I’m going to check her stool when I get the chance.
Should I just go ahead and deworm the whole flock? I have Wazine on hand. Can Wazine hurt them if they don’t end up having worms?
Could pale comb be due to older age or being broody?
Thanks

I can confirm that when a hen is not laying (because she is broody, molting etc.) her comb will usually become quite small and pale. I would not treat her with anything if she seems otherwise healthy. Broodies lose condition a bit while setting, and worming might stress her system more. Her comb will become plump and red again when she resumes laying (usually after weaning the chicks).

Very pretty girl by the way! And congrats on the chicks!

 

[77horses]

I can confirm that when a hen is not laying (because she is broody, molting etc.) her comb will usually become quite small and pale. I would not treat her with anything if she seems otherwise healthy. Broodies lose condition a bit while setting, and worming might stress her system more. Her comb will become plump and red again when she resumes laying (usually after weaning the chicks).

Very pretty girl by the way! And congrats on the chicks!

That’s good to hear that it’s likely due to the broodiness! I’ll hold off on treating for worms.
She really is pretty! I love splash Cochins. Thank you!

 

[sourland]

My first guess was external parasites, but you have already checked for them. For now I would suggest a good diet and monitoring. Most likely it is a result of lowered hormonal levels concurrent with her brooding.