Black Comb

[sarah fairbanks]

I have a rooster, Joe, that up until recently he has been the king of his castle and now, his comb has turned completely black and he just doesn't seemself, I live in Maine, could he have frost bite or is it worse than that? He is still eating and drinking but isn't like he usually is. He is about 4 or 5 years old.
Any suggestions would be very helpful.
PS: if the cure has anything to do with bringing him inside, I will have to pass on that one, I already have one of my other hens living in the dining room and the husband isn't really keen on this, she has been in here for a loing time (since about June) and when ever I try to put her back into the coop she is bleeding within minutes, so she lives inside so that would be out for Joe, unfortunately.
Thanks cold chix in Maine

 

[Judy]

Frostbite is a good guess, which is caused more by moisture in the coop than cold.
Read here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/post.php?tid=445814

There's also a link for cold weather coops which is also a very good resource.

 

[sarah fairbanks]

The coop is insulated, there is not any moisute on the windows and the water doesn't freeze but what can I do for him? Any suggestions would be helpfull. We have had chickns since we moved here 8 years ago and this is the first time I ahve had anything like this

 

[dweder]

Ive been curing a frostbitten comb with neosporin. Ive been putting it on every night for the last three days and things are looking much better.