Black/purple spot on hen comb and occasional open mouth breathing

[CoordinatedChaos]

First time chicken owner (laying hens only). Up until now all of our girls have been absolutely fine, but today we noticed one of the hens has this blackish purple spot on her comb and will occasionally breathe with her mouth open. She also has a bit of a dirtier back end than the others. These are the only 3 symptoms we're seeing from her at the moment. These are amberlink whites and they are about 7 months old.

From what Google tells me it could be a cardiovascular problem? Is there some basic treatment I can start with before taking them to a vet?

 

[sourland]

It looks like the tip of her comb was injured and has become dried out and necrotic. It will most likely fall off , and she will be fine. She does not look like a bird with cardiac issues.

 

[CoordinatedChaos]

It looks like the tip of her comb was injured and has become dried out and necrotic. It will most likely fall off , and she will be fine. She does not look like a bird with cardiac issues.

Thank you!! We were pretty worried there might be something really wrong with her. We will definitely continue to keep an eye on her, but having even the smallest bit of reassurance she's not dying helps a lot!

 

[sourland]

If it were a cardiac issue, her entire comb would be a purple/black color not that vibrant red.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I agree, she looks fine externally. Could be dried blood on her comb from a pecking injury which is not serious. It is also normal for some chickens to get a little bit of poop stuck to their bottom feathers. Doesn't look like anything to be concerned about.

 

[CoordinatedChaos]

If it were a cardiac issue, her entire comb would be a purple/black color not that vibrant red.

This is very reassuring. Thank you!

 

[CoordinatedChaos]

I agree, she looks fine externally. Could be dried blood on her comb from a pecking injury which is not serious. It is also normal for some chickens to get a little bit of poop stuck to their bottom feathers. Doesn't look like anything to be concerned about.

Thanks! I've been wondering what is considered "normal" as far as chicken back ends go, and that's not something I ever thought I would wonder about. Lol I'm just so worried that I'm going to miss something really wrong with my girls and I would feel so bad if I did.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Thanks! I've been wondering what is considered "normal" as far as chicken back ends go, and that's not something I ever thought I would wonder about. Lol I'm just so worried that I'm going to miss something really wrong with my girls and I would feel so bad if I did.

I totally understand! No harm in asking.