Black spots on rooster comb

[Dontos]

Hi! I'm new to raising chickens. We went out of town last week and when we came home we noticed black spots on one of our two roosters. I've been reading posts about fowl pox and possible injuries but was hoping someone might be able to help by pics. He was fine before we left, but our other rooster is quite protective over his small flock so I'm not sure if it's from fighting

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC. I hope the ER peeps will be along soon to assist.

 

[imnukensc]

Doesn't look like fowl pox to me. More likely fighting/pecking from the other rooster or trying to poke his head through that chicken wire.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Black spots are usually dried blood from pecking by another bird. The second picture looks like a bit of frostbite. It shouldn't be a long term problem.
The blood vessels are so close to the surface of the comb that blood is right there.

 

[ValerieJ]

Hmmm...could be either one. If it's injuries from fighting, it looks like it's healing, so no worries. If it's fowl pox, well, that pretty much goes away on its own as well, as long as it remains a dry pox. Just keep an eye on him. You might check inside his mouth for any possible lesions that would indicate wet pox. That would be more dangerous, and I sadly do not know the treatment for it.

BTW, Welcome to BYC!

 

[Dontos]

Thank you all so much! I appreciate the responses. We were gone for a week (he didn't have it when we left) so it would make sense that it would be dried blood... they were in the coop all week where normally we let them free roam during the day when we're home. Thanks again!

 

[ValerieJ]

We were gone for a week (he didn't have it when we left) so it would make sense that it would be dried blood...

I think you're right.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

noticed black spots on one of our two roosters. I've been reading posts about fowl pox and possible injuries but was hoping someone might be able to help by pics. He was fine before we left, but our other rooster is quite protective over his small flock so I'm not sure if it's from fighting

Looks like injury/pecking to me.

He has what looks like a small scab/wound on his face as well.
Frostbite generally affects the tips (points) of the comb first - I see more "random" scabbing. Even on the back of the comb as if he was nipped from behind. Could be from the other rooster/fighting. Watch your hens too - sometimes a small comb injury on a rooster seems to "grow" due to hens pecking at it and a rooster will let them.
If it doesn't begin to heal and you see him letting hens pick at it - you can do a couple of things. I've never tried it, but some folks recommend pine tar to help heal and deter picking. I have tried separation (yes, my hens were picking at a rooster's comb making it much worse, combs bleed and that's what they were after) Anyway...separation until it healed did work. Something to consider before separation - you have 2 roosters - if they currently live in confinement with one another - taking out 1 rooster, you may not be able to successfully put him back into the flock.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us