Purple combs?

[TheGoldenGirlz]

I have four almost 22 week old Buff Orpingtons. Two of them layed their first eggs today(picture attached) but they have very odd combs. They are HUGE and the end is turning purple. I have one good picture of it but the other chicken wouldn’t stand as still. They are being fed Purina flock raiser with oyster shell and grit on the sides. They are on grass in the evenings and are fed occasional treats(once a week). No problems with behavior at all, they are all super alert and eating and drinking well. What is wrong? Is this normal?

 

[pallas]

Its probably fine, might just be genetics as long as their acting normal I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[pallas]

Congrats on the eggs by the way.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I had 4BOs who's combs would turn purplish but then go back to normal. Read it had to do with circulation but they were fine. Something I never thought of, keep notes on when they were purplish was it before or after they laid? What was the weather like? Was it a certain time of the day? Yes, I'm into note keeping but I had to rehome them & the lady that took them says they're fine.

 

[TheGoldenGirlz]

I had 4BOs who's combs would turn purplish but then go back to normal. Read it had to do with circulation but they were fine. Something I never thought of, keep notes on when they were purplish was it before or after they laid? What was the weather like? Was it a certain time of the day? Yes, I'm into note keeping but I had to rehome them & the lady that took them says they're fine.

Its probably fine, might just be genetics as long as their acting normal I wouldn't worry too much.

Thanks for the help! I think it is circulation because their combs are bright red this morning

 

[Mrs. K]

They may not have a long life, but who knows. There is really nothing you can do for it. In my experience, they will be active up to the end.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Learn from each & enjoy your/our chickens while we can

 

[TheGoldenGirlz]

They may not have a long life, but who knows. There is really nothing you can do for it. In my experience, they will be active up to the end.

You’re saying that there IS a big problem? Have you dealt with this issue before??

 

[aart]

Not sure about the purple ...could be, may be a sign of circulation problems.
But I also remember reading that it can be 'normal'.
As long as they are eating/drinking/pooping and moving around OK I'd not worry.

Didn't think Orps had such large combs, are you sure they are not a mix?

 

[Shadrach]

I have four almost 22 week old Buff Orpingtons. Two of them layed their first eggs today(picture attached) but they have very odd combs. They are HUGE and the end is turning purple. I have one good picture of it but the other chicken wouldn’t stand as still. They are being fed Purina flock raiser with oyster shell and grit on the sides. They are on grass in the evenings and are fed occasional treats(once a week). No problems with behavior at all, they are all super alert and eating and drinking well. What is wrong? Is this normal?

I don't think it is normal. I think there is something wrong.
I've had 3 cocks in the past whose combs went purple; they all died.
I took one to a vet, with a shit sample and the vet thought it could be heart, or liver problems, but no obvious disease. It took a couple of months for this one to die. He was active and seemingly healthy right up to his last few days.
Another was fine in the morning, comb bright, active and eating. That evening his comb went purple and limp at the top. The next morning I found him dead on the coop floor.
I've read, that too much calcium in their diet may be the cause; I've also read that this is unlikely.
I've read that it's a genetic weakness affecting internal organs but nobody seemed to know what to do.
Since then I have learnt that nirate poisoning is one cause and can be treated with methlyene.
If it's the heart, there are treatments ACE inhibitors. You will need to look on the web.
.The problem is getting a correct diagnosis.
I hope you can find better answers. Good luck