Weird question about wattles and ear lobes...

[sahmhomesteader]

I am sorry if this is not the right place to post this, but really wasn't sure where to ask.

My 21 week old pullets love to be cuddled and stroked. I pick them up and stroke their wattles and skin around their face and ears. After a few minutes, around the same time they start to close their eyes, their skin around their ears and face starts to go pale. It starts out bright red, but then fades. It seems like this happens as they start to relax. Can anyone tell me why or how this happens? I am just very curious...does anyone else notice this?

 

[kada6305]

I have never noticed this before, I will have to test this out on my hens tomorrow.

 

[kittydoc]

Since they find it calming, their blood pressure is dropping, which causes the lower red Colorado intensity. Not harmful at all!

 

[aart]

Well, that's interesting! I'm glad you posted the Q and the doc could answer.

I noticed the other day when I was holding one of my hens that her earlobes were much paler that usual and later they were reddened back up.

 

[sahmhomesteader]

I have never noticed this before, I will have to test this out on my hens tomorrow.

Let me know if the same happens to you!

Since they find it calming, their blood pressure is dropping, which causes the lower red Colorado intensity. Not harmful at all!

Way cool! I knew there had to be something like that behind it, I just had no idea what. Thank you!

Well, that's interesting!  I'm glad you posted the Q and the doc could answer.

I noticed the other day when I was holding one of my hens that her earlobes were much paler that usual and later they were reddened back up.

I wonder how many people have wondered about this lol

 

[aart]

I know I have noticed the comb and wattle color seems to rise with agitation from about 5-6 weeks, made me wonder about gender several times.

 

[sahmhomesteader]

I know I have noticed the comb and wattle color seems to rise with agitation from about 5-6 weeks, made me wonder about gender several times.

Interesting. I was not that observant with my littles haha. I am glad I learned something new today.

 

[aart]

Quote: I have a pathetic amount of time to observe chickens, am also obsessively analytic, and post to forums.

 

[sahmhomesteader]

I have a pathetic amount of time to observe chickens, am also obsessively analytic, and post to forums.

Ha, I don't think it is pathetic! I am outside 90% of the time with my sons (both under 3), and I am constantly holding my birds and talking to them etc. I am usually pretty observant too, but I missed what you were describing haha.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I have a pathetic amount of time to observe chickens, am also obsessively analytic, and post to forums.

Nothing pathetic about that at all