Cockerel's comb turns purple... please help

[BWchicken]

He's a d'uccle cockerel and is about 13 wks old. For the last 2 days, I have noticed the "lobe" on the back of his comb - that big back part that isn't directly attatched to his head - will turn purple. It doesn't stay that way and eventually goes back to red. The rest of his comb looks ok, other than maybe looking a little dry. The purple seems to happen randomly, regardless of activity. He seems perfectly normal, no change in energy or behavior.

The only other time I've seen a purple comb is when I had a cornishx who was dying from heart problems. But he had other obvious symptoms. I really don't think my little d'uccle has heart problems, and there are no other symptoms, but purple on his comb really scares me. I've read it's usually not a good sign, but I have no idea what could be causing it.

He eats medicated starter/grower and the bugs and grass he gets in the run. He hasn't been wormed. I only have one other chicken besides him, another cockerel and they were raised together. The other cockerel has a rose comb, I haven't seen any purple on it. They both act perfectly normal. I got a new waterer last week and they don't seem to like it much. It's been over 100 degrees all week. Could it be he's not drinking enough in the hot dry weather? Can I put straight Pedialite (for babies) in their waterer for electrolytes?

I don't know how serious this might be, but I've read some diseases act fast, so I'm really scared.
Could it be worms? Dehydration? Infection? Disease? What should I do?

If I see purple on his comb again tomorrow, I'll try to get a picture of it to post.

 

[azelgin]

Kramer, my big ol' Buff Orpington roo's comb has purple tips quite often. I used to worry about him, but he's 14 months old now and plenty healthy. If he had a heart problem, he'd be dead by now and the hens would be thrilled he was. That boy can sure chase them girls (they free range several acres). I can't say if it's normal for your guy, but it doesn't slow down Cosmo Kramer.

 

[threehorses]

Has the heat been bad? If so, I'd give him some electrolytes in his water. Offer two solutions - one with, one without electrolytes. Add extra water stations around. Maybe give him a little in his beak a couple of times tomorrow to boost him up.

 

[BWchicken]

Yes, it's been over 100 degrees all week. I have some unflavored pedialite (electrolytes for babies) on hand.
Could I just fill a waterer with straight pedialite?

If not, what do I need to get from the feed store and how strong do I mix it?
Thanks!

 

[threehorses]

I'd give him the pedialyte straight to himself. I think that leaving pedialyte out makes it go off, so I don't think I'd use it like that. Do you have gatorade? You can use that diluted with water in his waterer until you get the chicken electrolytes tomorrow or so.

Then use two things of water - one with electrolytes, another without. Lots of water. Keep them in the shade where easily accessible.

What are you doing to keep the flock cooler? Can we help you with that as well?

 

[BWchicken]

Thanks so much for your help. I don't really have a "flock" just 2 bantam cockerels. I had 5 chickens, thought they were pullets and they ALL turned out to be roos. I was able to rehome all but the two I have now.

They have a shaded run and a big box fan in the coop. I give them ice in the water and hose down the metal roof coop a few times during the day. I posted a question a week or so ago about the extreme heat, and got over 40 replies, lots of great advice.

So am I right to assume the purple comb is just from the heat and lack of hydration? I hope so, because I can help him with that. I was afraid he had some horrible disease or something!

 

[threehorses]

It is likely because of that, but of course watch him for any changes of symptoms or increased lethargy as you give him extra care to treat possibly dehydration, etc.

Sounds like you're doing a good job on the heat though! It really is going to be a tough year I think.