pale combs

[beeksnfeet]

I have 3 beautiful Buff Orpingtons, Margo, Edith and Agnes. They are all 10 1/2 months old. They are healthy & they eat well. Two of them lay every other day, even in our bitter cold. Margo, the largest hasn't layed yet as far as I know. They love to be petted and show no signs that something is wrong.

They don't have frostbite but I have noticed that their combs are not as bright as they were. Is this normal for the cold weather, or do you think something is wrong? They love the outside even when it is quite chilly. Their whole run is enclosed with plastic sheeting to keep out the snow and wind. Should I be doing something different for them? This is our first winter with our girls, so any and all suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[Eggcessive]

They sound like they are fine, but mites can cause anemia. Some mites only come out at night, so checking on them in the dark with a flashlight may be necessary. If you find mites, 5% Sevin dust or permethrin will kill them right away, but the coop and nest boxes also need to be cleaned and sprayed. Then repeat dusting in 7-10 days.

 

[beeksnfeet]

The weather has been so brutal, down to -15 below a few nights. Would mites survive that cold? 2 of them had a mini molt just recently...didn't know if that would mean anything.

 

[Eggcessive]

Yes, mites and lice are year round pests unfortunately, especially if they are already on the birds. If you don't find any, it's probably nothing. I have have chickens with redder combs than others, even though they are all laying. Most first year hens will lay all winter without supplemental light, but some chickens will take a break, and if they are not laying, their combs may be more pale.

 

[beeksnfeet]

Thanks. I will check them tomorrow. Just cleaned the whole coop and nesting boxes yesterday too! I did hold them and pet them for a good while to day and didn't notice anything, but then I wasn't LOOKING for anything either. Where should I check? Under the wing area? Neck? Their faces and eyes are all clear and bright, no nasties. Gave 'em a good once over today. Thanks again for the reply.

 

[byzantium100]

Mites hide in corners or coop wood cracks and usually come our at night to feed. Lice can be found on the chickens near the vent and under wings. There is a product called Ivomectin which is a liquid and you would use a 1ml drop behind the neck. Mites are hard to get rid unless you remove the bedding burn it and scrub the sleeping are with hot water and soap. Fowl dust is an alternative.

 

[PimentoPlymouth]

I noticed this with mine one time around this same time of year. I was battling keeping water dethawed at the time and finally came up with a heated waterer of my own. I think it was a lack of hydration with mine so I bought the electrolyte booster you add to their water and added it for about 2 weeks and their combs became alot brighter and red. May not be the problem but mine did not have mites. Just a suggestion.

 

[beeksnfeet]

Gave them all a good look-see today, and no little buggers anywhere. They are bug free, thank goodness. I guess I'll just keep an eye on them and make sure all is well! Thanks again.

 

[beeksnfeet]

I noticed this with mine one time around this same time of year. I was battling keeping water dethawed at the time and finally came up with a heated waterer of my own. I think it was a lack of hydration with mine so I bought the electrolyte booster you add to their water and added it for about 2 weeks and their combs became alot brighter and red. May not be the problem but mine did not have mites. Just a suggestion.

Didn't find any little buggers, so I will try some of the electrolyte booster and see if that helps too! Thanks