Help, my rooster has been having his mouth open for a day and his wattles are turning black.

[chickenboyx5]

His basically my pet and since yesterday his had his mouth wide open and his wattles were turning red and now are starting to turn black.

His about 8 months old I've been feeding him Good quality feed and water. For the winter I've put one of those heating lambs I bought from a pet store in his house.

 

[MrsBrooke]

Please post a picture if you can.

Frostbite is a very common occurrence, especially in single combed breeds.

Since he's gasping, though, I would say he's got some circulatory issues or has contracted a disease.

Some disorders that can cause comb discoloration include: Heart problems/poor circulation, injury to the comb (causing scabs), frostbite, the dry form of Fowl Pox, Fowl Cholera, Chronic Respiratory Disease, Bluecomb, and Avian Influenza.

Without a pictures, it's difficult to say.

How long have you had him? Where did he come from? Does he have access to free-range and/or other birds?

As much info as you can give would help us help you!

MrsB

 

[chickenboyx5]

I just have two chickens a hen and a rooster
I've had them for 8 months and there usually in there coop but I let them go outside 4 times a day for a couple of hours.

http://imgur.com/KjK5gja
http://imgur.com/43bWAjc

I don't know if you can tell but the ends of his wattles are turing black. Should I turn on there heat light?

 

[MrsBrooke]

Do you live where the temp gets down to sub-zero? You could try putting a little petroleum jelly (Vaseline, Aquaphor) on his comb to prevent frostbite. I hear it may help.

Chickens can handle temps well into the negatives. -30° seems to be the breaking point for most breeds. I might offer a little heat if your roo seems affected by it.

Keep in mind that white light will mess with their circadian rhythm. Use a red brooder light.... or better yet, a wall-mounted heat emitter. Less of a fire hazard.

Have you noticed any wheezing, nasal discharge, bubbly eyes, funny odor, or change in poops?

MrsB

 

[chickenboyx5]

Not normally but from another post on another fourm. Most people saying it was frost bite and that I should enclosure there house better so that the wind dosnt hit them hard. Anyways thanks for the Advice I will try the vasoline

 

[MrsBrooke]

Putting a tarp up can help your birds keep their warmth in greatly. Make sure you are properly venting their coop, though.... Trapping humidity in a coop (chickens aspirate quite impressively) with the addition of freezing temps can lead to disaster. Leave a little space for excess to vent out at the very top.

As long as a roosting chicken can get out of the wind, they're pretty cold hardy. Try the jelly on the combs. Some people say it doesn't do a thing.... some people swear by it. If nothing else, you'll help him against dry skin.

MrsB