Speckled Sussex pale comb

[Strykester]

I’ve got a speckled Sussex pullet who is about 6 1/2 month old (I got her the last week of April when she was around a week old). She began laying very infrequently in late August with maybe an egg every 3-4 days, but she hasn’t laid for the last month and her comb looks pale and chapped. At first I was contributing it to the loss of daylight and possibly due to the unseasonable weather here in Pittsburgh (30 degree high temperature swings in 2-3 days) but now I’m wondering if there is something more. I don’t think it’s lice or mites and she’s shown no signs of scratching or being uncomfortable that I’ve noticed. I’ve seen her eat and drink, and she’s not being picked on or tormented the rest of the flock. I’ve attached a few pictures and any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[azygous]

I'm sorry to be giving you a negative assessment, but she may have an organic disorder, perhaps virus caused cancer or a genetically affected reproductive issue such as internal laying.

If she were a year older, I'd just chalk it up to molting and seasonal hormone depletion causing the comb to go pale and limp. But a new layer should lay well into the early winter.

I can't offer a solution other than Poultry Nutri-drench and bumping up her protein intake for a few weeks with animal protein such as mackerel or beef liver and see if that improves her condition.

 

[Strykester]

I'm sorry to be giving you a negative assessment, but she may have an organic disorder, perhaps virus caused cancer or a genetically affected reproductive issue such as internal laying.

If she were a year older, I'd just chalk it up to molting and seasonal hormone depletion causing the comb to go pale and limp. But a new layer should lay well into the early winter.

I can't offer a solution other than Poultry Nutri-drench and bumping up her protein intake for a few weeks with animal protein such as mackerel or beef liver and see if that improves her condition.

I just stopped at my local feed store and talked to a gentleman who is a poultry expert with the PA department of agriculture. He told me that my pullet is actually an Ancona, and not a speckled Sussex. After looking over some pictures, he seems to think that the stop is most likely caused by the significantly reduced daylight. I’ve got an appointment with the vet tomorrow, so fingers crossed it’s just a quirk of my pullet and all will be well. Apparently this isn’t super uncommon behavior for an Ancona, hoping that’s the case. I appreciate your input and guidance.