Pale comb

[Themommyandthepea]

my 25 week old lavender Orpington has a pale pink comb for 4 days with no other symptoms. She’s never laid an egg but I assumed it’s because the days are still short. I have started putting DE in the food, in the coop, on her, and ACV in the water in case of parasites but have seen no improvement. Does anyone have any idea what this could be? Is this normal?

 

[ChickenHour]

Having a pale comb is normal in chickens, but if it was a different color before than you might have frostbite on the chicken’s comb. It’s nothing serious.

 

[coach723]

She may not be ready to lay yet, some birds take longer than others to mature enough to lay. 25 weeks is still young. Normally their combs will brighten and redden as they get closer to laying. Even mature birds that go out of lay for molt or for the short days of winter will again have paler combs until they come back into lay. If you are concerned about parasites then getting a fecal test done to check for them would be best. Some vets will do for chickens some will not, there are also mail in options: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J5SOZ4/?tag=backy-20
If parasites are found then using the appropriate wormer for that particular parasite would be best, medications and doses can be different for different parasites.
DE is completely ineffective as a treatment for internal parasites, and can cause respiratory irritation, so I personally would discontinue that. If external parasites are an issue then a product containing permethrin is most commonly used and much more effective. Elector PSP is also good but is much more expensive.
https://the-chicken-chick.com/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification/

 

[Themommyandthepea]

She may not be ready to lay yet, some birds take longer than others to mature enough to lay. 25 weeks is still young. Normally their combs will brighten and redden as they get closer to laying. Even mature birds that go out of lay for molt or for the short days of winter will again have paler combs until they come back into lay. If you are concerned about parasites then getting a fecal test done to check for them would be best. Some vets will do for chickens some will not, there are also mail in options: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J5SOZ4/?tag=backy-20
If parasites are found then using the appropriate wormer for that particular parasite would be best, medications and doses can be different for different parasites.
DE is completely ineffective as a treatment for internal parasites, and can cause respiratory irritation, so I personally would discontinue that. If external parasites are an issue then a product containing permethrin is most commonly used and much more effective. Elector PSP is also good but is much more expensive.
https://the-chicken-chick.com/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification/

Thank you!! I did more research on DE and I agree with you. I might get the tests to be on the safe side but she seems happy and healthy. I’m new to this so I worry.

 

[coach723]

It's always a good idea to be observant with your birds, that way you can often catch things early. We all worry sometimes, it comes with the territory! Hopefully she is fine.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

my 25 week old lavender Orpington has a pale pink comb for 4 days with no other symptoms. She’s never laid an egg but I assumed it’s because the days are still short. I have started putting DE in the food, in the coop, on her, and ACV in the water in case of parasites but have seen no improvement. Does anyone have any idea what this could be? Is this normal?

Can you post some photos of her?

 

[Themommyandthepea]

Here is one of her in the rain. Her

Can you post some photos of her?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Here is one of her in the rain. Her

She's lovely.
Is your only concern that she has not started laying eggs at 25 weeks?
She eating/drinking and pooping o.k.?

Once she gets closer to laying eggs her comb will redden up. Each bird comes into lay in her own time, so you will just have to be patient.
You could always check her to see how close she is
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/