Rooster lethargic and comb turning black

[ten chicks]

Turning black and falling off usually indicates frostbite.

 

[Eggcessive]

I have the same problem. Two hens now have combs turning black and falling off. I thought the rooster was pecking their heads but now I see that I have an illness or parasite problem. One was near death, heavy breathing, diarrhea, comb starting to turn black, head on the ground, can barely keep its head up, not moving. That was almost 7 days ago. I put her in the house and she survived the night. Then the next and the next and now she is able to stand again but the comb continues to turn black. The other chicken's comb is completely gone. She distances herself from the flock like she is afraid. One night I saw that she wouldn't even go into the coop. (They have a large area outside the coop to walk around, bigger than some people's entire yards) However, since then I have seen her perched inside with the others. What kind of medication should I be using. Did you ever find out any information about your chickens? Thanks
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It sounds as though your chickens combs got frostbite. If it is frostbite, you can put some iodine or BluKote on the comb to dry it up and prevent infection.

 

[dgriffith]

it can't be frost bite because we have not had that cold of temperatures. I am in Northern California. Any other ideas?

 

[Eggcessive]

it can't be frost bite because we have not had that cold of temperatures. I am in Northern California. Any other ideas?

Could you post a picture from the side close-up? Do you use heat lamps in winter?

 

[dgriffith]

I will try. I am a teacher by day so I won't be able to post it probalby til Saturday. Thanks for responding!

 

[dgriffith]

p.s. I see you are from southern Ohio. I was born and raised to age 12 in Cincinnati

 

[Eggcessive]

I am located about 2 1/2 hours east of Cincy, near Huntington, WV. near the OH-WV-KY borders.

 

[dgriffith]

This hen lost the whole thing and I don't think showed signs of illness. But acts afraid of the others

 

[dgriffith]

This hen is the one that showed severe signs of illness but recovered and today is the first time in 7 days that I've seen her walk around outside the coop. She does have diarrhea. Any ideas what might be going on?

 

[dgriffith]