Cockerel eye ring and earlobe changed color, why?

[NNations]

I am curious if anyone has any idea why Rolo, my 3 month old Silver Duckwing Old English Game Bantam cockerel's eye ring and earlobe changed color? We noticed last night while we were sitting out watching them free range before they went to roost. The first time Rolo came to us to held they were peach colored, the 2nd time he came to be held they were red. Is this hormone or heat related? He has been starting to show rooster characteristics by herding the girls in and keeping them in line with our new ones, etc. As always, thank you for your inputs! This site has been so informative!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I'll be interested to hear what others have to say about this.

The earlobe color was likely due to activity. Combs and earlobes can pink with activity.

As to the eye color, my guess it was simply the change in the light reflection on his eyes possibly hitting the inner eyelid (nictating eyelid). Can you get a photo of what you are seeing?

An immediate eye color change within the spectrum of the normal eye color is not that alarming to me unless it indicates shock or dehydration, which is usually suddenly paler looking eyes.

Another concerning eye color change occurs slowly, over time, wherein the eye or eyes will take on a silver/blue appearance (fish eye), or the iris appears uneven. That is a symptom of ocular Marek's.

But a sudden shift after activity within the same color tone probably is normal and probably light reflection or activity flush.

LofMc

 

[NNations]

I don’t have a current picture but I was able to look back at some taken in the last few weeks and you can kind of see the different color of his earlobe here. They eye ring is red in both pictures.

 

[NNations]

I don’t have a current picture but I was able to look back at some taken in the last few weeks and you can kind of see the different color of his earlobe here. They eye ring is red in both pictures.
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I am also noticing a difference in his pupils here. The top picture where his earlobe is red Rolo was on top of the coop looking around for pullets who had not gone inside to roost yet. So, he must have been focused and in protection mode.

The bottom picture where Rolo's earlobe is peach colored he was on my husband's lap enjoying some cuddle time.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Okay...I see what you are saying...you mean the flesh around the actual eye.

That is totally normal, yes can change color from hormones as well as activity.

No worries.
LofMc

 

[NNations]

Okay...I see what you are saying...you mean the flesh around the actual eye.

That is totally normal, yes can change color from hormones as well as activity.

No worries.
LofMc

That's kind of what I was thinking. That's so cool! Thanks!