Harvey The Great's Comb is slowly turning black. . . .

[Peppercorngal]

My wonderful amazing super deluxe rooster Harvey has been through many illnesses. I almost lost him twice before, but with constant nursing and antibiotics he survived. I am noticing that his comb is turning black. It's more noticeable when you look at the right side. I know this can be from lack of circulation. Is there anything I can do for Harvey to stop this? He acts the same as always, he's the perfect gentleman with the girls and with me. I don't want to loose him, help! He is three years old, I NEVER give the chickens corn, just grains, greens and yogurt, and that not everyday, maybe once a week. A year ago I switched to "all flock" feed, but it was discontinued so I had to go back to layer feed. What do y'all think???? Sorry, the photos are a little blurry. But you can see what I'm talking about.

 

[Birdielee]

Wow. I've seen black combs in pics, but i didn't know they could TURN black. I'm sorry about your roo. I don't know what causes this. I'm interested to know what advice you get.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Looks like frost bite

 

[Peppercorngal]

Looks like frost bite

I guess it might look like frostbite, but it is not. We had a very mild winter and even when its cold, it's never that cold. It does not snow here and rarely goes below 40 degrees. I watch my chickens carefully on a daily basis and this has developed just in the past few weeks. It's been between 80 & 100 degrees. Remember, I'm in sunny California! It's June! Hot summer time!

 

[micstrachan]

I wish I had advice for you. I agree it looks like an oxygen issue (circulatory or respiratory.) How is his behavior?

 

[Perris]

I had a similar issue a couple of months back; you might find the discussion useful
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...c-but-comb-fine-is-this-fowl-cholera.1352786/
I hasten to add he is fine now. I would get your Harvey off layer feed asap.

 

[micstrachan]

Yes! Off the layer. I should have said that!

 

[Peppercorngal]

I wish I had advice for you. I agree it looks like an oxygen issue (circulatory or respiratory.) How is his behavior?

So far I see no change in his behavior. Eating, courting the girls, he seems totally normal! He comes and stands next to me when I go out with the chickens. I think he is protecting me! He is so sweet! I hate the thought of loosing him.

 

[Peppercorngal]

I had a similar issue a couple of months back; you might find the discussion useful
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...c-but-comb-fine-is-this-fowl-cholera.1352786/
I hasten to add he is fine now. I would get your Harvey off layer feed asap.

Yes, I want to get him off of layer feed. I was using All Flock Feed for a long time but it is not available at TSC here anymore. I will check at the two feed stores we have in town. Thanks for your response!

Harvey is a very large boy and had issues when growing up too fast. He couldn't walk when he was a couple of months old. I gave him vitamins and he recovered. Maybe his size is an issue as well? Do big roosters live as long as the little guys?????

 

[Peppercorngal]

Wow. I've seen black combs in pics, but i didn't know they could TURN black. I'm sorry about your roo. I don't know what causes this. I'm interested to know what advice you get.

I've read that circulatory and liver function problems can cause these issues. If that is the case, except for changing his feed there is little that can be done. He's only 3 and I thought he'd be around for many more years. . . . .