Black tipped roo comb....PICS, please help

cjeanean

Can't Decide
11 Years
Mar 5, 2008
2,643
19
201
Missouri
I went outside to put together a new roost for my chickens, and I noticed that my BR roo has a black tipped comb. I don't know what the heck is going on, since none of the other chickens have this problem. Here are some pics, just wondering if anyone can identify a problem. I read this thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=75342
and it kinda sounds like what may be going on, but I want to run it by you all first cause I would hate to jump to conclusions just to find out there's really something wrong. Thanks!!!

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my roo's comb will go dark like that----sometimes quite a bit of it goes dark, then it'll go normal again. cooler weather or if he is feeling frisky will change the color. It REALLY freaked me out the first time I noticed it. Keep an eye on him.
 
Yep, looks like my BR roos' combs which change from one minute to the next. Sometimes whole back half is black. Other times all tips are black. Next minute whole thing is bright red. I'm starting to think it has something to do with when and how often they "do it" which from what I can tell is a million times a day
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If the hens combs turn red based on egg laying (hormonal), I guess a roo's comb turns red based on testosteronal.
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He has a decent sized comb, could just be his mood and it's effect on blood flow, or someone could have bit it, or he could have bruised it on something when he was pecking around.
 
All right, guys, thanks....I was definately freaked out by it, cause I read that black combs can mean respiratory problems. He's crowing, eating, etc. all normally, but all the sudden I see this. I know I scared the crud out of them while building a roost, and it's been getting pretty chilly at night lately, so I had a feeling that may have something to do with it. I was really worried!!! Thanks, everyone!!
 
My BR's do that alot, seems to depend on changes in the weather. If you put some bag balm on it it will go away faster. Also, if you see a cold snap coming in the weather just put some on him before the cool down and it will prevent it. You should rub it in a little, but not much, just be gentle because it's a tender place for a chicken and be generous. You can get bag balm from alot of places, but I get mine and Tractor Supply. It's in the green tin and really inexpesive, in case you're un-familiar with it. It is in the cow section. It's also good to put it on them in the winter once in a while. Only roo's seem to get black comb tips since the blood has to go farther up to get to the tips. I hope this helps!
 

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