Vast differences in comb/wattle sizes

[ladyhand]

I have four sapphire gem pullets that I got at the same time from TSC. They are almost 13 weeks old and while the same general size as each other, the size of their combs and wattles are vastly different. Below is the biggest, and the smallest. I’m worried because I’ve read that combs are indicative of health... should I be concerned?

 

[sourland]

Most likely some are simply maturing more rapidly than others.

 

[LaFleche]

You could weigh them all and if you notice a rather big difference, deworm them, as sometimes the ones with worms will get behind in development and will be much lighter than the others of the same age.

 

[Mrs. K]

Truthfully the sapphire gem is a mix of breeds. It is not a breed, it is not going to have consistent traits that you get in a breed.

Even in a pure breed, there is a lot of genetic variance, hence the SOP. Cull anything that does not fit the traits of that breed, and eventually you get a very consistent appearance of the breed...but not fool proof, weird things still show up.

Both of your birds look bright eyed and healthy. When I have had a comb indicate health issues it has been noticeable in a full grown bird that is laying. If the comb looks blue, or fluctuates from red to pale pink back to red again, that can be a sign.

Bright red combs indicate laying, pale combs indicate immaturity, broody or molt, all natural occurrences.

Mrs K