Chickens have black spots on combs and face area

[ak2787]

I have 14 chickens and they started getting black spots on their combs and face area about a month ago. I noticed it with a couple and soon they all had it. At first I thought it might be dirt so I made sure they had access to a clean dust bath. The ones with the most spots have slightly droopy combs in specific areas, it's not the entire comb. They act fine and healthy, no change in how active they are. I recently noticed some of the bigger spots are cracking open. Zoom into the picture if you can. You will notice the big spot in the back is cracking open. Any thoughts? The spots just won't go away!

 

[PD-Riverman]

Probably Fowl Pox! You can do a search for it to get answers you probably want. Usually goes away in a few weeks.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The one at the back of the comb (orange circle) looks like a pecking wound. The spot on the tip (orange arrow), it may be possible it's a fly bite, but most likely she's being nipped/pecked. (All the other scabs look like peck marks to me as well).

Do you have a rooster? If so he may be latching on to the comb.
It's also not unusual for hens to peck at one another, watch your flock's behavior, sometimes you won't notice pecking except at roosting time. You can apply a little Blu Kote to the wound if you wish.

 

[PD-Riverman]

The one at the back of the comb (orange circle) looks like a pecking wound. The spot on the tip (orange arrow), it may be possible it's a fly bite, but most likely she's being nipped/pecked. (All the other scabs look like peck marks to me as well).

Do you have a rooster? If so he may be latching on to the comb.
It's also not unusual for hens to peck at one another, watch your flock's behavior, sometimes you won't notice pecking except at roosting time. You can apply a little Blu Kote to the wound if you wish.

Keep in mind the OP stated all 14 were getting these spots.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Keep in mind the OP stated all 14 were getting these spots.

Yes, I did consider that - photos of some of the others may be helpful.

Here's some good photos of Fowl Pox for comparison.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/avian-pox-how-to-treat-your-chickens-for-avian-pox.47704/

 

[ak2787]

The one at the back of the comb (orange circle) looks like a pecking wound. The spot on the tip (orange arrow), it may be possible it's a fly bite, but most likely she's being nipped/pecked. (All the other scabs look like peck marks to me as well).

Do you have a rooster? If so he may be latching on to the comb.
It's also not unusual for hens to peck at one another, watch your flock's behavior, sometimes you won't notice pecking except at roosting time. You can apply a little Blu Kote to the wound if you wish.

Thank you for taking the time to mark the picture. It was very helpful! We have 2 roosters, one is more submissive. I'll watch to see if they grab the combs. A couple of the hens peck the others when food is around. I havent noticed any other pecking. The only time I can't see what they're doing is when I put them up for the night to roost. I'll try the Blue Kote on the ones they are cracked open. Thanks again!



View attachment 1106497

The one at the back of the comb (orange circle) looks like a pecking wound. The spot on the tip (orange arrow), it may be possible it's a fly bite, but most likely she's being nipped/pecked. (All the other scabs look like peck marks to me as well).

Do you have a rooster? If so he may be latching on to the comb.
It's also not unusual for hens to peck at one another, watch your flock's behavior, sometimes you won't notice pecking except at roosting time. You can apply a little Blu Kote to the wound if you wish.





View attachment 1106497

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Your submissive rooster may be sneaking around and mating the girls as well

Roosting time, there can be "drama" this is when I see the most pecking among my girls. I have plenty of roosting space, but they still can be quite a bunch of meanies at times.
Hens can be quite brutal to one another.

 

[Eggcessive]

I agree with Wyorp Rock that it looks like peck wounds, which typically are black at first and may lighten to tan or white up over the weeks it takes them to heal. Fly bites can also look jet black, but very tiny. Pox can be light beige at first, and then turn all colors of tan, brown, and almost black. Google fowl pox to look at images. Roost time in the evening, is a typical time for pecking until all of the bossy hens get their favorite spots on the roosts. Mine will rearrange it for up to an hour while the slow pokes come in. It is hard to watch sometimes.

 

[Susan Dye]

Great picture! Appreciate such detail in the photo, it's very helpful. Thanks!