Breeding Hens Cere Has Turned White

[paulie 0]

Hi All

I have a Df grey normal hen with 4, 2-3 week old chicks. she has had a nice dark cere and been very healthy. Today I have noticed that her cere has turned almost white although is still feeding chicks and cock is feeding her and she still seems quite healthy otherwise. Nutritionally there should be no problem. the only thing I can think of is that the particular nest box is quite dark so am wondering if this could be light, melanin and vitamin D3 deficiency due to the low light levels in this box. Would love to hear from anyone with experience with sort of difficulty.

Thanks

Paulie

Edited September 15, 2013 by paulie

[Nadene 0]

I have a hen that does that. She goes right out of condition once she has laid the first round and is raising her chicks and then her cere goes back to brown when she lays the second round.

[paulie 0]

Thanks Nadene.

I am quite surprised so see the cere looking bleached white.

 

My other hens did seem to go out of condition while raising chicks but not to this extent.

 

[Nadene 0]

Yep, that's how mine went. I was really surprised how quickly mine came back, she's sitting on her second round now (I do have to watch her, she's my plucker ) hopefully yours will be the same

[paulie 0]

just have to keep an eye on her i guess. made some adjustments to get a bit more light into the cage. She has another 2 to 3 weeks left with this brood.

[L__J 0]

yup noticed this on one of my parings as well last season.

[robyn 0]

Haven't had this before but it's good to hear about it, for future reference. Sounds like it's just a breeding condition event. At least it's a clear indication that they are in condition.

[paulie 0]

I still think that the bleaching of her cere does indicate that there is something missing in this hen. Is getting more natural light and vitamin supplement so see what happens. Will have to do a bit more research if only to satisfy my curiosity.

Probably not going to use these as a pair again. not really looking for Df grays which they are producing.