Rooster with comb turning purple/gray

[cuteychickens15]

Hi,
I have a rooster that's just turned 3 years old and yesterday I had just noticed that the back of his comb had gone darker in color. It looks kind of purple-ish or dark gray. Looking up online, I read that it could be a number of things including respiratory problems, heart failure, liver problems etc.

I feel it could be respiratory problems as they chickens make wheezing sounds when they breathe. The chicken coop has no ventilation and whenever I open the coop in the morning, I see fine white particles floating from the inside of the coop to the outside. My dad built the coop from scratch and I don't think he wants me making holes in it but I think they really do need fresh air circulating throughout the night.

I know he has frostbite and I need to find some petroleum jelly for it. I'm just worried about the darkness of the comb though. I'm in the UK and can't find Duramycin or Terramycin online (i've read that it's good for helping with this). What can I do to help him? Apple Cider Vinegar?

Below are pictures of my rooster's comb (sorry about the bad quality but I took them from a few feet away (if i'd got any closer, he'd probably try and herd me or charge at me


Thanks

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I feel it could be respiratory problems as they chickens make wheezing sounds when they breathe. The chicken coop has no ventilation and whenever I open the coop in the morning, I see fine white particles floating from the inside of the coop to the outside.

You need to speak with your Dad about adding ventilation to your coop. If you can post some photos we may be able to give you some suggestions.

Even if you did treat with antibiotics, if the air quality/ventilation in the coop is poor, symptoms will return. Fixing the coop may be your best method of treatment.

Antibiotics only help with secondary infection due to respiratory disease. The photo of your rooster, I see no mucous, watery eyes, etc. I don't see any frostbite either. The white on his comb may be Favus, which is a fungal infection, you can put an anti-fungal cream on the comb to help with that.

Here's a good article about ventilation http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/c...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

 

[cuteychickens15]

Here are pictures of the coop. The rooster lives with four hens inside here.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Does it get wet inside the coop or is there any mold/mildew?

No judgement whatsoever here, we all make do with the materials we can get and work with the budget we have too I am just making some observations and suggestions that may help you out a little bit.

I like the design, but it may be a little cramped with a large rooster and 4 hens, but I think if you add some ventilation that will help tremendously.

Is there a way your Dad can add another roof or overhang so water doesn't run down the walls? This is why...

With your being in the UK you have a lot of rain right? Well, I have quite a bit myself. Those wet edges along the roofline and side(s) look like they may be getting a bit mildewy (do you see slime or black stuff?) This is what happens here when things don't dry out. Mildew and molds can cause respiratory illness in chickens. Having an overhang not only keeps water away from the walls, but will also allow for ventilation to be added and you not have to worry about water/rain coming in the coop.

Something else you may want to do is monitor your feed for any mold. I only put out what mine will eat in 1 day. I used to have a hanging feeder that held about a week's worth, but I found that in warm damp weather, feed was getting a green looking mold on it. I use several cups that hang on the fencing (out of the rain) and take those up everyday. They are easy to clean and fill and I don't have to worry about rancid, spoiled or mold feed. Moldy feed can also cause respiratory symptoms.


Adding some ventilation on both ends will help with airflow.
I think with a few changes you can improve the air quality of your coop so your chickens rest more comfortably at night.
Just some thoughts.

 

[Kiki]

Uh ho....
Have you opened this coop up any?
Added vents?