Rooster's comb and waddle are turning black

[Bosschicken]

We were given a three roosters and 6 hens this summer. The boss rooster has been a wonderful fellow to have around, but lately (past 4 weeks or so) his comb and waddle have started to turn black and his tail plumage has been thinning. Hubby has had chickens before, but I was a city girl. Have no idea what if anything we should be doing.

 

[MamaDoodle]

It sounds like his heart may be having problems... it could be genetic. How old is he?

 

[Bosschicken]

He's just over 3 years.

 

[Bosschicken]

 

[jmandawn]

Chickens will sometimes have their combs (and waddle) get black spots if they are coming into a molt.

If it is not that then it could possibly be "Blackhead"

Has he exhibited any of the following symptons:
1. Foamy yellow diarrhoea and sit huddled up.
2. Acting depressed or ill?
3. Stop eating and get very thin
4. Increased thirst
5. Droopiness
6. Drowsiness

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm not exactly sure what is wrong with your rooster. Does the color rub off at all, or is it simply the color of the comb? Some disorders that can cause comb discoloration include: Heart problems/poor circulation, injury to the comb (causing scabs), frostbite, the dry form of Fowl Pox. Fowl Cholera, Chronic Respiratory Disease, Bluecomb, and Avian Influenza.

 

[Beaky Buzzard]

Looks like frost bite maybe?

 

[Wyandottes7]

I'm not exactly sure what is wrong with your rooster. Does the color rub off at all, or is it simply the color of the comb? Some disorders that can cause comb discoloration include: Heart problems/poor circulation, injury to the comb (causing scabs), frostbite, the dry form of Fowl Pox. Fowl Cholera, Chronic Respiratory Disease, Bluecomb, and Avian Influenza.

X2. Could it be dirt?

 

[Bosschicken]

Comb was solid red when he came to us. I don't know if it comes off as I cannot catch him. He's not off his feed, still walks around and runs for food. Still keeps the Bantam roosters away from the brood. I can't see it being frost bite, but anything is possible I guess. If it's going to molt how much will it lose?

 

[Autumn D]

is it cold were you are? if so it could be frostbite in which case you need to keep his comb and wattle warm or they could fall of (like my roo did ) althuogh the flrost bite i have seen has started on the tips of the comb and then worked it's way inward which doesnt look like yours