Sarahsausage Posted June 22, 2009 Share Posted June 22, 2009 The tips of my chicken Gladys' comb are sometimes purple, infact most days the tips have turned from red to purple at some point. I was wondering if anyone elses chickens combs do the same thing and if someone knew why they do it? Could it be a sign of stress? My other two chickens combs are always red, maybe Gladys is just a nervous girl and gets alarmed easily? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 22, 2009 Share Posted June 22, 2009 It can be a sign of stress, however it can also indicate heart problems. As long as she's looking busy, eating and drinking I wouldn't worry too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atsw Posted June 22, 2009 Share Posted June 22, 2009 Last year, just before she had a massive moult, the comb on Fifi, our red hen, when patchy purple. In some places it almost looked black. Once she had got through her moult it went back to a beautiful bright red again. Andrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 22, 2009 Share Posted June 22, 2009 mine have done that when they're not well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarahsausage Posted June 22, 2009 Author Share Posted June 22, 2009 Thanks chaps, she looks very healthy and is eating, drinking and tootling about as normal so hopefully she isn't ill and it's either because she is moulting (the run looks like they've been having a pillow fight most days!) or has had a fright? Hope she's not ill.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 22, 2009 Share Posted June 22, 2009 Just keep an eye o her - it can be a symptom of a dodgy ticker or a lung malfunction. I have one hen with a weak heart - every winter, her comb turns purple and I'm convinced that she's on the way out... she's 4 now and still lays the occasional egg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*mummy_hen* Posted June 22, 2009 Share Posted June 22, 2009 One of my girls had this and it came and faded off all the time. She had a head cold which is easily treatable so don't fear the worst. I would keep and eye on her for a bit and if it doesn't go, i'd take her for a little check up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 22, 2009 Share Posted June 22, 2009 It's just cyanosis, so an indication that their blood isn't carrying enough oxygen - that could be down to the heart not working properly, or impaired lung function. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarahsausage Posted June 22, 2009 Author Share Posted June 22, 2009 Aah bless her, I will keep a close eye on her, thank you for your replies xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
