Pink waddles and combs

[Queenelizzy]

Someone gave me some chickens and their waddles and combs are pink, not red. What is this a deficiency of?

 

[CityClucks]

How old are they, and what breeds? It may not be a deficiency at all - they may not yet be at point of lay, or they may be molting. What are you feeding them?

 

[Queenelizzy]

They are several years old and a mix of breeds...they are also missing lots of tail feathers but I thought that maybe they were in a small space before...other wise..they are fully feathered. I feed them scratch, layena, some ground corn and soybeans from a local mill and lots of kitchen scraps and they are welcome to fee range tho there is not much to find these days.

 

[CityClucks]

They may be a little past their reproductive (egg-laying) prime, and that may account for the faded "pink" combs and waddles. But if they are losing feathers, they may be starting to molt. Is there a rooster in with them? You're right about picking each others feathers out if they were kept in a small space before. It sounds like you're taking care of them beautifully - I wouldn't worry if they seem healthy and happy. Be sure you don't overdo the scratch and treats - chickens will eat that instead of the balanced Layena and if so, may not get optimum nutrition. Good luck and congratulations on your Chicken gift!