Purple Tinged Comb

[SuzyB]

Noticed this morning my last remaining ex batt Nutmeg has a definite purple/blue tinge to her comb. I've had her almost 2 years, she's top girl over the other 6, still eating/drinking and fighting for grapes but has definitely slowed down recently. She used to look quite scraggy but also noticed she's looking more chicken shaped that she used to.

Ive attached a photo taken this morning, and although it doesnt look obvious, compared to Lily (second photo) its a totally different colour.

Im thinking this means my Nutmeg is winding down now yes?

[chris]

Eep, my black rock has similar - I thought it was due to the cold.. infact it looks exactly like that (on left, but has a large comb like on right). They're under a year old... be interesting to see the replies.

[RichmondHens]

She may well be winding down. Has she lost or gained any weight? Purple combs can indicate heart/circulatory problems but from your photo I don't think it is a worrying colour.

Chris - can you post a pic of your hen with the purple comb on here so we can see it? Does it change colour with the weather? Tips of combs can "blue up" a little when a bird is cold but the whole comb shouldn't really change.

[SuzyB]

She's definitely looks plumper than she used to be, although she feels quite bony if that makes sense?

She's always been a real character, first for breaking and entering into the kitchen (and encouraging the rest!), first to steal anything remotely like food and has been a total nuisance (in a good way). Recently she's taken a back seat in comparison, more like a grandmother figure, definitely slowed down.

The photo doesnt really show it very well, in fact now Id say its more of a blue tinge than purple.

[Suechooks]

If she's looking "plumper" she could be retaining water in which case she probably is in her autumn years. Water retention along with the tinged comb which looks a bit shrivelled are signs often found in older ex-batts. 2 years is a good long time for an ex-batt so I'd suspect she's winding down as you say.
As long as she's not in obvious discomfort she could plod along for a while yet specially as Spring is just round the corner.

[chris]

She may well be winding down. Has she lost or gained any weight? Purple combs can indicate heart/circulatory problems but from your photo I don't think it is a worrying colour.

Chris - can you post a pic of your hen with the purple comb on here so we can see it? Does it change colour with the weather? Tips of combs can "blue up" a little when a bird is cold but the whole comb shouldn't really change.

Youre right, it's just the tip - I'll take a pic tonight when I'm home.. I thought it was the cold, but haven't really had chance for the last week or so to get up close and personal with them for any length of time!

Sounds a right funny old hen, SuzyB!

[chris]

Sorry to hijack your thread suzi!

RH - Here's some pics attached, have the full size ones if need be.. Today it's "white" - do you think it could be have been frostbite - I noticed it was blue where it's white during the extremely cold weather + snow.. Or, is it growing, and skin coming sheding off?

The other two I have don't have the same thing, the light sussex's comb is compact, and the magpie's one isn't as large as this ones..

Nightmare trying to hold her still with one hand, and try to take a pic with my phone, whilst holding that still in the other hehe!

grr can't attach, embedded..

[RichmondHens]

It's not frostbite - with this the tips go white then black then drop off. It could be the start of a fungal infection called favus - you will find various info on line - which does respond to antifungal cream, but given that it has appeared rather suddenly today it may be nothing more sinister than a bit of sloughing off skin. I would wait a little longer and see what it is like in say a week and then review.

[chris]

Ok, thank you! virtual glass of wine on way to you