Purple combs! Help!!

[FarmerGirl101]

Heavy breathing is a symptom of respiratory issues. Do the birds have at least 4sq feet per bird in the indoor portion of their coop?

no it is a bit small since we original had 7 then went down to 5 and now we are up to 11

 

[Sneebsey]

When they are a little overcrowded, moisture can build up and will cause respiratory problems and the frostbite burns you're seeing. With a coop like yours, if they have access outside the enclosure, it would not be impossible to turn the open-air areas into real walls, and floor with some plywood, and increase the space a great deal.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

When they are a little overcrowded, moisture can build up and will cause respiratory problems and the frostbite burns you're seeing. With a coop like yours, if they have access outside the enclosure, it would not be impossible to turn the open-air areas into real walls, and floor with some plywood, and increase the space a great deal.

Should I make the ventilation holes bigger?

 

[Sneebsey]

It's likely more due to the number of birds confined to a limited space than it is due to lack of ventilation holes. Think of it as several people stuck in an elevator all night. I'd go bigger.

 

[adrianastepheny]

okay, Is your chicken faces any problem because of her purple combs?? I don't think it's a problem for her... I saw her picture.. Your chicken is ok...

 

[ChickNanny13]

I had 4BOs, 2 had large combs/wattles & I noticed it would get "purplish". Read it was circulation, however there were no other issues (breathing, heat, ventilation, etc ... ) The coloring would come & go. They got fed fermented Flock Raiser, water changed every and lots of ventilation (pic of enclosure

8x12x7), I got 3 - 4 eggs a day & it's not frostbite ... Never figured out what the problem was, they were rehomed & the new owner says she see it off & on but they're fine ... Following in to learn what more it could have been.