Jaundice comb on cockerels

[familyfarmer4]

I have 3 5 month old cockerels that have very light red combs with a strong yellow hew. This morning I noticed that one had watery stools. They were hatched here and raised with the rest of the flock. They free range during the day and have access to chicken feed and fresh water. They are all energetic and acting normally. I haven’t noticed any similar symptoms with the rest of my flock. The combs have been discolored for a few weeks, and I’m not sure about how long the watery poo has been going on since they free range. I don’t know what this could be. Bad genetics? Should I quarantine or cull?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

very light red combs with a strong yellow hew. This morning I noticed that one had watery stools.

They free range during the day and have access to chicken feed and fresh water. They are all energetic and acting normally.

3 5 month old cockerels

The combs have been discolored for a few weeks,

Can you post some photos of the cockerels and the poop?
What do you feed them (including any treats)?
Have you checked them over for lice and mites?
Do you have a vet that can perform a fecal float to check for worms?

 

[familyfarmer4]

They get Nutrena Layer pellets, mealworms once-twice a week, grit and oyster shell. None of the vets around here do anything for chickens. This picture is the one that had the most discoloration of its comb. The poo was frozen when I got a picture. I have not seen any evidence of mites.

 

[DiYMama540]

Where are you located? Could this be the start of frostbite?

 

[chickens really]

Fatty liver disease?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have 3 5 month old cockerels

They get Nutrena Layer pellets, mealworms once-twice a week, grit and oyster shell.

The poo was frozen when I got a picture.

How long have you been feeding them layer feed? (their age when you started feeding that)
Good question by @DiYMama540 where are you located and what's your temperatures been like?
What's their housing like - plenty of ventilation? No moldy feed, bedding,etc.?
The poop was frozen - do they have access to fresh unfrozen water all day?

 

[Eggcessive]

Most people recommend a flock raiser type food when there are young non-laying chickens and cockerels around. I doubt if the high amount of calcium in the layer feed would be a cause of your problem though.

The possibility of frostbite seems like a good possibility to rule out. How cold has it been getting the last month?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I wouldn't automatically assume that pale combs signifies a health concern.
Decreasing day length affects gonad development, even in males. Inactive gonads can cause combs to pale. We are in the midst of the shortest days of the year.
Your general location would help us judge in that regard.
As was said, layer feed is inappropriate. Roosters are not layers and shouldn't be given a feed that is 4% calcium which is strictly for hens actively laying. Birds not actively building egg shells are not layers regardless of sex and age.

 

[familyfarmer4]

We are in the Midwest, and yes it’s cold. This is not frostbite. I have had chickens for 4 years and know what that looks like. We have a heated waterer in their coop so they have access to unfrozen water. As far as their feed, we ran out of chick starter a couple weeks ago. They were on it for over 4 months. These cockerels were hatched from one of our hens, but unnecessary to our flock. I’m not going to buy special food for chickens that don’t serve a purpose here. We don’t cull hens when they stop laying. They get to live out their days. Everyone gets the same layer feed, because we’re focused on who earns their keep.

 

[Eggcessive]

I have also repaised cockerels on layer feed with no adverse affects, and I have used Flock Raiser as well. We are not picking on you, or suggesting that you are not doing everything perfectly. I am just trying to help you figure out what is causing the yellow combs. Liver disease could be a possibility, but the possibility of frostbite was just a suggestion to help you narrow down the possibilities.