Red skin around face, beak and eyes. Really red.

[kristinaleta]

Reaching out to the community on this one. I have to think I can't be the only chicken mom to encounter this. Came home from a weekend away (they were cared for) to see that my five chicks (about 3 months old) have extremely red skin around their eyes, combs, and beaks. I wouldn't say they look swollen. They all have varying degrees of redness, but one has a serious dark red circle around her eyes. Obviously concerned and cannot find an explanation. They are not as vocal as usual, and noises sounded more like moans. Any words of advice? Appreciated anything. Thanks.

 

[magnolia-1971]

how old are they?

 

[Leslieb118]

Can you get a picture of them and post it on here? Reddening is normal for "maturing" chickens, and at 3 months old that could be the case. I hatched out several chicks in March and ended up with 4 roos. Their combs and wattles turned red about a month ago, or maybe more. Pullets don't turn red so quickly. That's one scenario. If you could post a picture on here that will help determine if it is normal, or maybe something else going on.

 

[ChicknThief]

Depending on their age I would say this is normal.

 

[kristinaleta]

I have pictures in a album on BYC, but can't figure out how to post them to this thread. I greatly appreciate the responses to my minor freak-out. Thanks! I'll update with any changes if it's helpful to any other new -to-this-thing readers.

 

[Leslieb118]

I checked out your pictures and they look normal to me. Pretty chickens!

 

[wildgreen]

I just recently noticed this on one of my six-week old chicks! She’s supposed to be a pullet but I’m wondering if she’s a cockerel, or if the redness is from something else. She’s a Blue Star from Ideal Poultry, which is a cross between a Blue Andalusian and a Barred Rock. The comb is still black but is starting to change color. What do y’all think? Just reddening as she matures, or is she a cockerel, or does she have some skin condition I need to take care of?