We got 15 Black Australorps a week ago. The pullets have just started laying in the last couple of weeks. The rooster doesn't crow yet. They are about 6-7 months old. Today I noticed that several of the hens had either gray or black spots on their combs and/or wattles. I don't know if this is normal or is a cause for concern. What do you think?
I would keep an eye on it to see if it gets worse. It may be where they have been pecked. It doesn't look that abnormal, but favus might be a concern. Here is a picture of favus: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...wattles-overtaken-by-white-growth-please-help
I started noticing black spots similar to that on some of my roosters (we had a few too many boys in the last hatch out!), and the spots are from fighting with each other. You said they all just started laying? Maybe you don't have enough nesting boxes and they feel compelled to squabble over box rights?
