Hi all, I'm new to BYC and the world of raising chickens. I recently encountered my first "chicken challenge" - the scabs and spots on my rooster in the attached image. I have 7 hens and this one rooster. They have a 400 square foot area to roam during the day and a smaller coop where they reside locked up at night until the morning. I can't tell if this is a disease or dried blood. I haven't noticed any similar problems on my hen, and I haven't witnessed any fighting although it could occur in the coop before I let them out every morning. Please advise on whether this is something I should treat or could be a problem for the rest of the gang. I noticed the rooster will move his head in a side to side/figure 8 motion frequently as if he's irritated by the problem, but otherwise he's eating/drinking well and doesn't display any other strange behaviors. I appreciate your feedback! Delaware
If it is very cold where you are, it could be a bit of frost bite. If not it has the common appearance of dried blood with the exception of the discolored spot at the rear of the comb. You could rub a little Neosporin (without the Lidocaine) or Neo-Poly-Bac ointment on the comb and see if it improves. When the weather is harsh or changes drastically, it is also a good practice to use some vitamins-electrolytes-probiotics in the water 3 times a week.
