Question about combs

[chickfan]

I have a couple of absolutely beautiful leghorns with huge, bright red combs and wattles. (Maybe they all have this....?). I noticed yesterday that on the back end of the combs, the area looked grayish. They look better today. Does this indicate a possible problem? I wonder if the heat might have something to do with it.
Thanks.

 

[3chimama]

Hmmm..I know some people put vaseline on combs to prevent frostbite in winter but I don't know about the heat??

 

[chickfan]

It was just the strangest looking thing. I thought there might be something that I had never heard about that could be wrong. The chickens are hot, but have access to lots of shade and lots of water, and I don't know what else to do for them. It scared me to see those combs looking so strange, because I have just been fascinated with how big and pretty and bright red they are.
I know if there is an answer, someone on this board will know!
Thanks for your reply!

 

[dawg53]

It may be nothing at all. The heat could be a factor but I recommend to just observe the combs for major changes. If they are eating and drinking normally, I wouldnt worry too much about it.

 

[gallusdomesticus]

I agree with Dawg53, if that's their only symptom, they're probably just fine. I had some hens with a similar problem that turned out to just have a topical fungus on their comb. I treated it with some rubbing alcohol for a few days and it disappeared.

 

[chickfan]

Thank you for these replies! I feel a lot better about it now. I just didn't want something to sneak up on me that I hadn't heard about.

 

[a2ms4chickens]

I have a couple of roos whose combs do that, too. One morning I went into the pen, both combs were bluish on the ends. I went in in the afternoon and they were bright red again.

I have not come up with a reason why, but I have been noticing it for the past couple years, and it happens on different roos. I haven't had any die on me, so I guess they are all right.

Angie

 

[chickfan]

Thanks Angie. I guess there is always something new to learn about our little ones.