Black Spots on Chickens Face? What could it be?

[Sheeshabeesh]

Hello,
So This morning I was hanging out with my chickens, like I do whenever I have spare time in the mornings, and noticed that one of my chickens had some bluish black splotches on her face. Instantly, I took it to the internet to start looking up different diseases that it could be or maybe even frostbite. Im not sure. I was wondering if I could get your opinions on what you may think it could be? she's acting fine. She's eating and perching and was healthy enough to jump and attack my phone. lol. I just am so concerned about the splotches though. Heres a pic.

 

[Sheeshabeesh]

I have a split coop and sometimes my chickens will stick their heads on the other side (where I have four roosters and two hens). Could it be bruising from one of the other chickens? Anyone in Massachusetts want a barred rooster, seriously, contact me.

 

[coach723]

Looks like a peck wound to me.

 

[Sheeshabeesh]

Looks like a peck wound to me.

Yeah. I put another type of feed in their runs for better energy to keep warm in the winter months. Sometimes they will poke their heads through to the other chickens side to try to steal some of theirs. Im wondering if maybe one of the four roosters I have got ahold of her. One of the roosters are starting to be a little aggressive with the hens, so I got to get him out of there. The thing is, I cant find anyone to take him.

 

[coach723]

If you put 1/2" hardware cloth between the runs they won't be able to put their heads through any more. It can be very hard to re-home a rooster. You can try craigs list or posting at your local feed store. Just try to ensure he's not going to be used for cock fighting.

 

[Sheeshabeesh]

If you put 1/2" hardware cloth between the runs they won't be able to put their heads through any more. It can be very hard to re-home a rooster. You can try craigs list or posting at your local feed store. Just try to ensure he's not going to be used for cock fighting.

Yeah thats something Im worried about. he had one of the barred chickens on their side by the head this morning, I examined her and she was okay, but it was scary to watch. Im thinking of maybe putting him and maybe another rooster in another small coop I have. You dont think they will fight, do you? They grew up together. Its just the hen to rooster ratio on that side of the coop is 4:2. Then I thought about trying to intergrade some of my barred into the other side with my ISA's and Leghorns, but idk how'd that go. I would never give away my roosters if I thought they were going to cock fighting, thats awful. Ill try the Tractor Supply Co.

 

[coach723]

Roosters can live in an all bachelor flock and most do fine. It's when there are hens in the mix that fighting usually happens. Either 4 hens to 2 roosters or the other way around, is too many roosters for the # of hens. Your hens will get beat up from being over mated. In general, and there are always exceptions based on the particular birds, I would not go less than 6 hens to a rooster, and even that can be pushing it. If the roosters are young they are hormonal monsters and can be rude and rough. If you want to keep the roo's I would have separate quarters and runs for them away from the hens, and if you want to breed, only move the roo in that you want to do that. Your hens will be happier and you will have fewer injuries. Really the options are limited to housing extra roo's separately, rehoming them, or making them into dinner. When I raise chicks, my extra cockerels are separated from the flock as soon as they show any cockerel behavior or when I'm sure it's a cockerel, whichever comes first.

 

[Sheeshabeesh]

Roosters can live in an all bachelor flock and most do fine. It's when there are hens in the mix that fighting usually happens. Either 4 hens to 2 roosters or the other way around, is too many roosters for the # of hens. Your hens will get beat up from being over mated. In general, and there are always exceptions based on the particular birds, I would not go less than 6 hens to a rooster, and even that can be pushing it. If the roosters are young they are hormonal monsters and can be rude and rough. If you want to keep the roo's I would have separate quarters and runs for them away from the hens, and if you want to breed, only move the roo in that you want to do that. Your hens will be happier and you will have fewer injuries. Really the options are limited to housing extra roo's separately, rehoming them, or making them into dinner. When I raise chicks, my extra cockerels are separated from the flock as soon as they show any cockerel behavior or when I'm sure it's a cockerel, whichever comes first.

Should I maybe move both barred hens with my ISA's and Leghorns (they are primarly a female flock) or should I just merge them all? I believe I have maybe one rooster in with my flock of eight ISA's and Leghorns. They are only separated by chicken wire, so they should all be fairly comfortable with each other now, as they see each other everyday. I dont plan on mating, but I was hoping to get rid of the small coop. But will keep it until I find a home for the rooster.

 

[Sunshine Flock]

I don't have experience with facial wounds or problems, but this does look very familiar. So it's my guess the others are right; it seems to be a pecking wound. Just keep an eye on the whitish dryness around the wound. It could indicate something else is going on.