PLEASE HELP - black discharge on face

[ChirpyChicks1]

Any updates?

Well they aren't dead

Thank you for asking, that means a lot!

 

[sourland]

Sounds as if this is going to remain as an 'unsolved mystery'.

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

It sure is! Seriously one of the strangest things I've seen, I'm just so relieved that they all are fine

 

[MamaManda]

I know this thread is old, but wondering if the OP figured anything out, or if anyone else knows about this?

I just noticed this EXACT same problem on one of my RIR hens. She is about the same age, 20 weeks. Black "goop" on wattles, comb, and under eyes. Appears sticky, as there are small hairs and things stuck to it. Doesn't come off very well when wiped, and hen wont tolerate it. Chickens have not free ranged for 2 months now, and couldn't have got into anything. The only thing I could think was that they have been having a TON of scraps from my garden the last few days...tomatoes, peaches, zuchinni, beans, apples, etc..but nothing that would cause a residue like this.