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One of the common changes that you might notice in your chickens is the color of their combs. They are the small flesh growth on top of the head of chickens. Combs are tied to your flock’s health.
Usually, these are vibrant red, but if they turn pale pink, there might be some issues with their health. There are various reasons why the combs change their colors. Here are a few reasons to be aware of.
Stress
If you see that your chickens’ combs are lighter in color, it could possibly mean that they are suffering from stress. They are probably dealing with some issues, such as preventing predators, having a bad diet, or difficulty laying eggs. If they are experiencing one of these problems, it will usually reflect on the color of their combs—turning pale.
Hot Weather
You can also notice an abnormal color change in your chicken’s comb during hot weather. It usually turns lighter, indicating they are exhausted from the heat. So, the best thing to do is to provide more water. I also suggest feeding particular treats such as cucumbers and watermelon to help them hydrate more. You should also offer additional shades on their resting place to reduce heat if possible.
Anemia
Aside from heat exhaustion and stress, pale combs can also mean your chicken is anemic. Along with pale combs, anemic chickens show other symptoms, including weight loss and dullness. Most of the time, anemia in chickens is caused by parasites such as fleas, mites, and lice, but there are instances when it’s caused by depression and other health complications.
If your chickens are anemic, check for parasites and eliminate them. Consider cleaning the coop and isolating infected chickens to prevent infecting all your flocks. Meanwhile, if you did not find pests in the chickens, the anemia is probably caused by depression. Similarly, the best solution is to isolate the anemic chicken and create a safe, comfortable resting space.
Internal Worms
In some cases, chicken pale comb also indicates internal parasites consuming the nutrients of your flocks. Usually, if you notice that their poops are watery and the color is not the usual– you can suspect internal worms. To turn pale combs to vibrant color again, treat the worms immediately.
Everything is Perfectly Fine
Pale combs can also mean – nothing. Sometimes, pink or light-colored combs are just normal for chickens, especially if they are going through phases such as molting, laying, and developing.
Young non-laying chickens usually have pale combs not because they are unhealthy but because they are still developing. Once they are fully developed, the combs will eventually turn a vibrant red. So, you should not worry too much if your young roosters have pinkish flesh on their head.
In the Process of Egg Laying
You may also notice light-colored combs on hens if they are about to lay eggs. Usually, when hens are nearing to produce eggs, they draw blood to their vents—resulting in pale combs. Then, as soon as they lay, their combs will return to their original color. Moreover, when hens take a break from egg production, their combs are usually lighter in color than usual.
Molting
Chickens also undergo another phase called molting, which is when they start to lose and re-grow feathers. During this period, the color of their combs also turns pale, which is normal and healthy. So, you don’t have to worry if the paleness is only caused by molting.
Depression
Depressed chickens can also show these pale comb and lethargic symptoms, mostly if they are stressed about the hot weather or dealing with roaming predators.
Thus, it’s important to observe your chickens diligently and check for more than one indication of a particular case. This is the best way to know what’s happening to your flocks.
