I have a 6 year old Orpington hen.
She still lays eggs. I noticed when she is let out to free range (spring 2024)her comb turns bluish red once she has been moving around a lot.
Once she’s back in the hen house for a short time (maybe 15 minutes) it looks normal color (rosy red). I lost an Orpington about 8 months ago to water belly so I’m familiar with the signs. I keep thinking it could be an aging hen..I mean she is 6 years old and some are shocked she is still laying. I know it could be beginning of water belly but thought someone out there may know something I don’t.
She still lays eggs. I noticed when she is let out to free range (spring 2024)her comb turns bluish red once she has been moving around a lot.
Once she’s back in the hen house for a short time (maybe 15 minutes) it looks normal color (rosy red). I lost an Orpington about 8 months ago to water belly so I’m familiar with the signs. I keep thinking it could be an aging hen..I mean she is 6 years old and some are shocked she is still laying. I know it could be beginning of water belly but thought someone out there may know something I don’t.