Black spots on wattles and cones??

[sethsleader]

Hi, my three hybrid hens and white orp have all developed black spots on their wattles and cones. Like little splatts of tar/oil.

This has only developed over the past 2 weeks the hens are laying as normal and they all seem their usual cheeky selves.

What could it be and should I be concerned?

 

[CMV]

Look up some pictures of dry fowl pox. It sounds like they may have that. (Those little black spots could also be them injuring each other, but probably not.) If they have fowl pox it generally runs its course without intervention. Keep an eye on the birds for signs of secondary infection and treat that as needed. Wet fowl pox can also show up and is much more dangerous, but your birds would be very ill and showing signs of significant distress. If you are in an area where pox is prevalent then vaccines are available and might be warranted. Dry pox looks awful, but is generally no big deal. Good luck.

 

[AHappychick]

sometimes that is just a scab from picking at each other, but it could be something else too, can you get a pic?

 

[flockof4]

My hens occasionally get little black spots on the tops of their combs. I'm pretty sure they are little scabs from pecking. They go away after a few days and they are only on the tops of the combs, not on the wattles at all. I've started putting a tiny amount of vaseline on the spots to prevent further pecking.

 

[Chicken maniac]

I had this to happen,I got some iodine and a Q-tip,applied it to the spots and it went away in a short time. I hope this helps you like it did me.Be blessed