Sick chicken-pale comb

[cmk1026]

Hello! I am new to this forum, and hoping someone has had the same experience with their chicken .

My 3 year old Golden Buff Red Star has stopped laying, and I noticed her comb is very pale with a blueish tint around the edges. I checked her for mites and lice and I do not see anything on her body. She also feels a little lite...but is eating fine. I know she is not feeling well because she stays away from the flock. I have started her on Vet RX yesterday. Can this be worms or does it sound like more of a respitory issue with the comb being a bluish color? Any info would be appreciated.

Christina

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Since she is not laying, a pale comb can be normal. The blue tips may be a sign that she is having circulation or heart problems. Dehydration may also be a cause. Worming her probably would not hurt her, if that might be a problem, since she is not laying. Some would not worm during an apparent illness, but if worms are causing problems it may help.

I would guess that because of her separating herself, and not laying, she may well have a reproductive disorder. Internal laying, salpingitis, egg yolk peritonitis, and cancer can be common. Depending how you feel about using antibiotics, you might want to try giving some Baytril (enrofloxacin available online,) or Fish Mox (amoxicillin) also a available online. Those may help her feel better, but won’t cure repro diseases.

Check her crop frequently, especially early in the morning before she eats to check if it is empty, full, puffy or hard. Crop problems can be secondary to other illnesses, or an illness themselves.

 

[cmk1026]

Thank you for your input. I have been checking her crop and mouth regularly and those seem to be functioning ok. We have had some very hot days the past few weeks and I have been hydrating the flock with electrolytes regularly and with some frozen watermelon as well. Which they love!
I will look into the antibiotics and give it some thought.

Thank you again!