What do light red and bright red combs mean

[Lbman]

Does dark red mean the is more mature

 

[Birdlife99]

Hello
When a chicken is in malt, too old to lay or hasn't started to lay yet, their comb will be a lighter pink rather than a vibrant red of a healthy layer.

 

[donrae]

I've heard the darker red indicates fertility. Thus a young hen, or older hens during the winter, or sick hens, have paler combs. I've not noticed if my broodies get lighter, come to think of it.

 

[Lbman]

So if young hens have a bright red comb does that mean they could start laying in the near future

 

[donrae]

Yep, if they are of an age to lay. If they are under 14 weeks or so they're probably a roo.

 

[Leavingegypt]

Its one of the signs. One of our hens Bea developed a bright red large comb early. But did not lay until she was 19.5 weeks old,

This was 7 weeks before she started to lay.

 

[Lbman]

Thanks

 

[floridagirl13]

Lbman, thanks for asking this question! I've been wondering this too. my PR pullet's comb and waddles are usually darker in color, but not bright red and they look... dry? like she needs to moisturize???




but when i give them corn, berries, or any snack that they really like, her face and comb turn BRIGHT red...
im not exactly sure of her age, about 13+ weeks min. maybe closer to 16, but who knows