My pullets are getting red in the face and growing combs and waddles. They squat when I attempt to pet them. They were hatched mid April, I bought them on the 15th of April. I try to watch them for a time every day, (okay don't make fun of me), One has a very red and well developed comb and waddle, the rest (7 others) have varying degrees of red faces and developing combs. Today one of the more mature's waddle and comb became pale for awhile and then turned red again. Is this normal? It was about 88 degrees but not really humid. They have fresh water and lots of food, chick food and gravel. and I give them greens and oatmeal and dry worms and tomatoes. They are really spoiled rotten. They also get stale bread. I clean their coop every 2-3 weeks and dust it down with DE and also garden and coop bug powder. Is there anything to worry about combs that change colors during the day?
Don't worry, your chickens are fine. Depending on their mood, activity level, and/or the external temperature, the color of the comb can range from bright red to extremely pale. It often becomes pale when chickens are tired/sleeping or hot.
as long as there is no swelling or bubbles in the eyes i think your fine. usually the combs get more red and "plump up" before they lay, and yours are getting close. signs of trouble: swelling of combs, wattles, and eyes. bubbles from nose or eyes. sneezing, or odd noises ruffled feathers standing with one leg always up stinky discharges around ears, eyes or mouth feathers sticking together because of mucus under wings. or any other changes in behavior.
