Is my pekin bantam male or female?

[robberbutton]

Hi, I have two chickens, one Gingernut Ranger and one Miss Pepperpot, which we got from Omlet in March 2012. They have both developed some blue patches on their combs and faces over the last couple of days, and only one has been laying for the last week or so. Other than that they are both quite perky and eating and drinking fine, so I didn't know if the blue comb by itself was a sign I should go to the vets? They have layers pellets, a handful of corn in the afternoons, spice in their food, tonic in their water and D-Earth regularly sprayed around bedding and food. They get to free range the garden most days. Thanks.

[mimi5]

Have you wormed them recently? It might be worth a go! Flubenvet is the only safe product for chickens that works! (I am currently worming my girls as they had gone a bit pale in the face and off laying!! They were due now anyway......just hate being shut in their run and only having pellets!! )

[Sandychick]

It's always difficult to decide when to take them to the vets especially when they are still running about and eating ok It's difficult to tell if they are ill to start with as they only seem to stop running about when they are really ill (and sometimes too late by then ) Think I would probably get them checked at the vets to be safe - I think blue combs can indicate poor circulation, but probably best to leave the diagnostics to an expert!

[robberbutton]

Thanks for replying I have never used Flubenvet, just DE squirted over their feed each time I top it up. I will get some and try it, thanks for the suggestion. I've checked their poos and they seem to be ok (the Pepperpot's is quite green, but still firm-ish with a white top, so hopefully still within normal range). Can't hurt though, probably should have done it before now.

 

I've read elsewhere that chickens don't appear ill sometimes until it gets really bad. We've had 15 untroubled months of chicken-keeping, except for one being a bit broody for a few weeks, which I'm very thankful for. But I know as they get a bit older our good run probably isn't going to last forever! I hate thinking that there's something I could be doing for them if only I knew what it was.

 

Thanks again.

[robberbutton]

I've just seen that my local vet is one recommended by the BHWT, so that's reassuring.

[mimi5]

Hi! Any news on your hens??

 

Mine are nearly finished their "lock down" for worming....they are stir crazy to get out!! Lovely red combs now!!