Vivian Vanilla - new leghorn with pink, not red comb

[McGoo]

I recently purchase five 10 mo old hens for my lonely roo and all are laying eggs - quite productive.

I noticed that one of the hens, a leghorn, has a pink colored comb, not red like the others (mix of different breeds). I know that she is laying eggs because her eggs are whitish in color.

She doesn't seem to have any signs of problems and the eggs are not thin shelled.

Should I be looking for a reason why her comb is pink rather than red???

thanks.

 

[Judy]

I suppose it could be just an individual variation. Possible causes would include lice/mites or worms.

Easy enough to check for lice/mites, just look for tiny crawly critters or clusters of tiny eggs at the base of the feathers around the vent, and up the feather shaft in the same area. On worms, if you have not wormed, you might read up on here about considering a routine worming program.

Here is just one thread on worms:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=188574

 

[McGoo]

ddawn,
Thanks so much. I'll check her out later tonight to see if I notice anything. I do use DE in their food and in the dust bath area. I'll try the cayenne pepper also.

 

[Judy]

Let us know.

 

[Whispering Winds]

LOVE her name!

 

[silkiechicken]

How pink? Sometimes if the leghorn is older and not laying as well, or is laying too well and the comb get's too big and flopy, it can be kind of pinkish rather than bright red.

 

[McGoo]

Quote:
thanks - she's named after a white cat that I had many years ago.


Her comb is definitely pink... unlike all the other hens (differing breeds) who also lay eggs. They are about 10 mos old - so I was told and they are laying eggs about 2 eggs every 3 days...so the rate is typical of a young hen. Her eggs are fine...they're not pure white...more champagne colored and the shells are hard. Aside from pink comb she is normal.

thanks all. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Sharons7]

Quote:
My hen leghorn roosters are getting their combs and they are much darker , more red than the hens combs which are pink by comparison. I thought it was what they are supposed to look like, but then again, i'm new at this.

 

[McGoo]

Quote:
My hen leghorn roosters are getting their combs and they are much darker , more red than the hens combs which are pink by comparison. I thought it was what they are supposed to look like, but then again, i'm new at this.

Sharon - if you have young hens that are not yet laying eggs, it is common. Once the pullets (Young Hens) bodies are getting ready to lay eggs, their combs will typically turn red.

 

[Sharons7]

good to know! thank you. I am still learning, and the chickens are teaching me!