Rooster went hoarse, now comb is turning black

[onemotherslove]

My rooster is about 2 years old and usually healthy with a very loud crow. A few days ago I thought it sounded like he was losing his voice, and it continues until he sounds very muted in everything he does. Then last night I noticed his comb was starting to turn blackish. I've been raising chickens four years and never seen anything like this. Please help! Is it contagious to my hens or other birds? (Ducks, guinea, goose) TIA

 

[onemotherslove]

More info: he hasn't been acting off other than the crow. Too hot here for frostbite.

 

[ChickenChaser9]

A picture is worth a thousand words. Best Wishes.

 

[Eggcessive]

Is he drinking and eating normally? A lack of oxygen to his heart could cause the dark comb, either a result of a heart problem, or a respiratory problem. Aspergillosis from mold can cause that, as well as other respiratory diseases. Do you see any nasal or eye drainage, sneezing, or rattly breathing? I would make sure he is drinking enough fluids, and add some electrolytes with vitamins. If you have other roosters, I would keep him safe in a crate with food and water, in the coop where he can see the other birds, but not be attacked. Make aure you have good overhead air circulation, and prevent dusty or wet conditions.

 

[onemotherslove]

Trying to figure out how to post a picture. I have a video of him crowing also.

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you post a video to YouTube, then post a link here?

 

[onemotherslove]

When he turns his head sideways, you can see that his comb is turning black at the back.

Yes, eating and drinking normally, no drainage.

 

[onemotherslove]

Does the video help any??

 

[Eggcessive]

Combs can turn black toward the back in some roosters with larger than normal combs. That can be fairly normal and may get red when he is less stressed. I would keep my eye on him, but if he is acting normal, it may,get better when it is warm. He could be horse from environmental causes,msuch as cold weather wet weather, or changes. Is he a bantam? It sounds like it.

 

[onemotherslove]

No, he is a full size rooster. He usually had a really full, extremely loud crow, never high pitched or squeaky. It's been in the 80's here this week.