Ear Color Hypothesis

[Amer]

I know this is old, but is there any possibility the blue faded because it was hormonal? What I mean is, my Buff Orpington rooster had a completely dark purple comb when his hormones started kicking in. As he got older it all went back to red. He would get some purple from time to time, but definitely not full comb or as dark as when he was young. Guessing that has something to do with the melanin being more spread out as they get bigger as you said as well.

Testosterone certainly lends a brighter red if that's what your asking. IE: pink hen combs versus red rooster combs.

 

[SourRoses]

What I mean is, my Buff Orpington rooster had a completely dark purple comb when his hormones started kicking in. As he got older it all went back to red. He would get some purple from time to time, but definitely not full comb or as dark as when he was young. Guessing that has something to do with the melanin being more spread out as they get bigger as you said as well.

Orpingtons have white skin, from the gene Id (inhibitor of dermal melanin).
So there should not be any melanin to spread out? At least that's the way I understand it so far.

In many cases, a purple comb can be a sign of oxygen issues. That can happen when they get very excited and run around a lot, under heavy stress, or it can be a sign of cardiac problems.

 

[Bean1028]

Orpingtons have white skin, from the gene Id (inhibitor of dermal melanin).
So there should not be any melanin to spread out? At least that's the way I understand it so far.

In many cases, a purple comb can be a sign of oxygen issues. That can happen when they get very excited and run around a lot, under heavy stress, or it can be a sign of cardiac problems.

Thanks! Just to clarify, I didn't mean my BO had any melanin to spread out, I was just wondering if the blue fading as the roosters age had anything to do with hormones.

 

[RobG7aChattTN]

There actually was a guy working on blue faces. He also said that he had a problem with the blue fading.

 

[Amer]

View attachment 3981994There actually was a guy working on blue faces. He also said that he had a problem with the blue fading.View attachment 3981991View attachment 3981993

Those are beautiful! The white pullet is especially striking. She truly shines.

 

[NagemTX]

View attachment 3981994There actually was a guy working on blue faces. He also said that he had a problem with the blue fading.View attachment 3981991View attachment 3981993

Those faces are great!