Issue Resolved Please Lock Thread Thanks!

[roche477]

My neighbor has a year and a half old hen that is sick. Her comb and legs are dark purple, bordering black. My husband helped separate her from the flock. Is there anything that can be done for it? It was supposed to be a white leghorn, but the flock lays brown eggs not white. It weighs maybe 6 pounds.

 

[Judy]

That's not a lot of information. Generally, that darkening in warm weather indicates the oxygen supply is being compromised, as from heart disease. Things like lice/mites and a heavy worm load also come to mind at that age, and if there is not preventive care, but darkening of those parts would not be the first or only symptom of these problems.

If you want to try to get some pics and the information in the sticky at the beginning of this forum, you might get some more replies.

 

[roche477]

The flock does not have lice, mites, or worms. She had normal coloring at 8pm last night, as in her comb was bright red and legs normal color. This morning they are dark, dark purple bordering black. My first thought was heart or liver damage.

 

[Jarhead]

The chicken likely has a respiratory problem. The purple comb/legs and lethargy indicate a lack of oxygen. Possibly an obstruction from something swallowed, or could be a illness that is causing lungs to fill with fluid or something like that. Or maybe an impacted crop pressing on the airway causing the bird to suffocate. Not really sure what you can do to help her. Best I can find for you on legs/combs turning purple. Hope she pulls through. I put this info in the arkansas forum since you posted there as well.

 

[roche477]

Thanks Scot