My Roosters comb...

[delawaregirl09]

There is something going on with my adult Delaware rooster and my young RIR Roosters comb. They say a bright comb means healthyness and a dark comb means sickness. Well, both of their combs are dark one second and bright red the next. It changes quick, sometimes it takes a few minutes, but it always changes.

Does anyone know what this could mean? I have a photo of the dark comb on the RIR, but its not very good.

Its just along the points and edges of the comb though.

 

[LeBlackbird]

It could mean a number of things,

Bad circulation

All the blood is rushing to his comb to be cooled off. (hot days)

Frostbite (doubt it)

 

[obe10]

his comb looks fine from the picture. but i know you can tell in real life somthing is wrong. is it hot where you live? if so it might be the heat.

 

[delawaregirl09]

It is really hot here right now. I live in Oklahoma, and August in Oklahoma can be brutal. He lives in a shady pen with cool water. I have never heard of the heat affecting the chickens comb, that is very interesting.

 

[LeBlackbird]

Yes, since chickens can't sweat, they circulate blood through their comb to get cooled. When there is alot of blood up there, it gives the back of the comb, and the edges a bluish/purple tint. It is perfectly normal.

 

[delawaregirl09]

Okay, thank you both! I have never known that, and I'm glad I do now. You have been very helpful, thanks!