Reddish combs/wattles one day then the next day they are pale. Why?

[Nicole01]

Why are my girls face, combs and wattles reddish one day, then the next day pale? Anyone know why? I see it on the 10 week and older chicks.

 

[florafarmer]

I will be interested to see any replies. I have noticed the same thing on my 9 week old RIR rooster. Not super pale.........just not as red as other times.

 

[Erica]

Have you checked for mites? Some mites live in crevices in the house and come out only at night to feed on the bird. If there were enough of them they could cause a pale comb.

However if that's not the issue I wouldn't worry too much -- sometimes this can be hormonal or to do with temperature. My birds' combs are often quite pale after they've laid an egg, when the blood pressure is lower.

cheers
Erica

 

[Aemelia]

If my birds get excited their combs and wattles get redder. I don't know for sure if they are hens (11 weeks now and no crowing yet) but many people on here said they looked like pullets when I posted to the gender and breed board.

 

[Nicole01]

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Yeah, they don't have mites. I use DE regularly since day one to keep odor down. It keeps the bugs away as well.

 

[Nicole01]

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I'm 100% positive all mine are pullets though. The only one I was concerned about was my RIR, as her comb turned red at 5 weeks, but it never grew taller. Maybe they are always excited? They run all over the place.lol

 

[Marylizbet]

Mine always get red when they run! All of them. They get excited, or upset, and their faces get all red. If we hold them, and they calm down they go to pale peach/skin color. I don't know why, but for mine it's from the excitement.