Leghorn Cockerels comb dark on and off

[lynviviana]

A few minutes ago I posted a thread about giving my flock of chickens an antibiotic in water for one day. As in you chicken owner, the second that I saw dark combs on my males I instantly freaked out and went about everywhere to ask for help. As soon as I got home with the antibiotics I was recommended I gave it to them in their water it was 1 teaspoon per gallon and I gave 3 gallons. The next morning as I went to check on them and pick up eggs I saw that none of my males had dark combs. I simply thought the antibiotic worked However later that evening when I went again to check on them and put them away I noticed their comb was dark again. I came home and did some research regarding that situation later that night I went back around 10 o’clock I noticed that their comb was bright red again. Is this a sexual maturity thing? Is it normal?

 

[nuthatched]

What antibiotics did you give them and why?
The combs change color based on the mood/blood flow. They turn darker at night since they are calming down for bed.

 

[lynviviana]

What antibiotics did you give them and why?
The combs change color based on the mood/blood flow. They turn darker at night since they are calming down for bed.

I have a bad habit of overthinking situations. They turn dark at night like A bluish purpleish darkish color? I have leg horn males and females are used to have a small light so that they could see at night but I realized since leghorns are known to be an aggressive breed I removed the light and leave them in the dark. It was the best way to get them to calm down. I figured if they can’t see they can’t fight. As I mentioned I went back to the ranch with nothing but a flashlight to see if their combs were still dark but what I found was that It was just read a normal red I saw no pigment of dark on their combs.

 

[lynviviana]

I should mention that I see the combs darkening when they’re stressed And breeding. I figured it was because of their mood however I wish for a clarification for some peace of mind.

 

[nuthatched]

I should mention that I see the combs darkening when they’re stressed And breeding. I figured it was because of their mood however I wish for a clarification for some peace of mind.

As long as the chickens are still acting normal, I wouldn't worry too much. :]
Combs turning dark could be a sign of heart issues but if there's more than one doing it at a time, it's probably an outside factor. Heat and cold also factor.
Edit: it's also a factor of hormones so it could be chicken puberty.

 

[lynviviana]

As long as the chickens are still acting normal, I wouldn't worry too much. :]
Combs turning dark could be a sign of heart issues but if there's more than one doing it at a time, it's probably an outside factor. Heat and cold also factor.

That’s what I figured. None of my females Combs are dark in color they’re all running around, fighting from time to time, eating, drinking and laying eggs. It is only my males.

 

[bobhoke]

A few minutes ago I posted a thread about giving my flock of chickens an antibiotic in water for one day. As in you chicken owner, the second that I saw dark combs on my males I instantly freaked out and went about everywhere to ask for help. As soon as I got home with the antibiotics I was recommended I gave it to them in their water it was 1 teaspoon per gallon and I gave 3 gallons. The next morning as I went to check on them and pick up eggs I saw that none of my males had dark combs. I simply thought the antibiotic worked However later that evening when I went again to check on them and put them away I noticed their comb was dark again. I came home and did some research regarding that situation later that night I went back around 10 o’clock I noticed that their comb was bright red again. Is this a sexual maturity thing? Is it normal?

The darker the red comb the better. Its an indicator of health. They are getting the nutrition they require and everything is working properly. Who ever told you to get them antibiotics should slap themselves. Wow.

 

[Cazook]

...antibiotics for a dark comb? antibiotics are for treating bacterial infections. they can have injurious side effects and should only be used when necessary. whoever prescribed you antibiotics has either no idea what they are doing or there is some information you missed out.

 

[lynviviana]

The darker the red comb the better. Its an indicator of health. They are getting the nutrition they require and everything is working properly. Who ever told you to get them antibiotics should slap themselves. Wow.

Realizing that now at the time I was so worried about Them getting sick that he clearly didn’t think it’s my fault too.
And that is because I am aware of viruses and bacterial infections. I live and I learn.

 

[lynviviana]

...antibiotics for a dark comb? antibiotics are for treating bacterial infections. they can have injurious side effects and should only be used when necessary. whoever prescribed you antibiotics has either no idea what they are doing or there is some information you missed out.

Before I start another thread, can you help me in the following: can I vaccinate five month old chickens for fowlpox that is another Mistake I made I bought them vaccinated from the hatchery but didn’t vaccinate for fowl pox. Hens have already started laying if I vaccinate will this decrease production