Roosters comb is discolored and he looks unhealthy

[OrpingtonManiac]

I feed them all layer pellets which they always have access to, and I give them a mix of mealworms, black-oiled sunflower seeds, and oyster shells once a day as a treat. Is there any reason why these foods could cause sickness? I was not able to check his crop or his poop before he died.

Does he eat the layer pellets too? Layers pellets have too much calcium for a rooster, so could cause some kidney (maybe liver, not sure) problems. Im sure @Wyorp Rock will know more though

 

[Hengirl22]

Yes, he did. That's interesting, I did some research when I got him and found that it would be safe to give him layer pellets. But maybe that was the problem, thank you!
I use packback layer pellets which contain 17% crude protein so maybe he was lacking protein?

 

[Yardmom]

The protein amount on your food is fine. Sometimes roosters get to much calcium built up in their internal organs if they consistently eat layer feed. His purple comb may have been a sign that he was not getting good blood circulation. This may have even been a problem with his heart.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I'm sorry you lost him. The only way to know for sure why he died would be to send his body in for a necropsy. Don't freeze the body but keep it refrigerated. Would you like a list of state labs that do that?

 

[Hengirl22]

The protein amount on your food is fine. Sometimes roosters get to much calcium built up in their internal organs if they consistently eat layer feed. His purple comb may have been a sign that he was not getting good blood circulation. This may have even been a problem with his heart.

Ok, that makes sense. Thank you for your help!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I feed them all layer pellets which they always have access to, and I give them a mix of mealworms, black-oiled sunflower seeds, and oyster shells once a day as a treat. Is there any reason why these foods could cause sickness? I was not able to check his crop or his poop before he died.

Thank you for all your help. He passed away this morning when I went out to the coop. He was acting normal on Monday so whatever it was it came on fast and I guess there wasn't anything I could've done to prevent it. I will do some research on how to treat my hens for worms or other parasites just in case.

I'm sorry for your loss.

So hard to know why he went into decline unless you investigate further through necropsy.

For deworming, you can use Safeguard (Fenbendazole) or Valbazen (Albendazole). I'll post dosing below.

As for feeding a rooster (or non laying chickens) layer feed, there is information that long term it can affect their health. Many do feed their roosters layer feed and seem to have no problems.

To treat most worms that poultry can have except for Tapeworm you can use Safeguard (Fenbendazole) or Valbazen (Albendazole). Both are given orally by weight; they do not mix well with water.

Safeguard dose is 0.23ml per pound of weight given orally once a day for 5 days in a row.
---OR---
Valbazen dose is 0.08ml per pound of weight given orally once, then repeated in 10 days

Here's how to give oral medications:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...dications-to-all-poultry-and-waterfowl.73335/

 

[IvyYounts]

This is the best place to ask questions, to save you some time.

I'm sooooo sorry My rooster past away all the sudden last year. His comb was getting more and more purple. Just like your rooster. I think he had lack of oxygen.

 

[Hengirl22]

I'm sorry for your loss.

So hard to know why he went into decline unless you investigate further through necropsy.

For deworming, you can use Safeguard (Fenbendazole) or Valbazen (Albendazole). I'll post dosing below.

As for feeding a rooster (or non laying chickens) layer feed, there is information that long term it can affect their health. Many do feed their roosters layer feed and seem to have no problems.

To treat most worms that poultry can have except for Tapeworm you can use Safeguard (Fenbendazole) or Valbazen (Albendazole). Both are given orally by weight; they do not mix well with water.

Safeguard dose is 0.23ml per pound of weight given orally once a day for 5 days in a row.
---OR---
Valbazen dose is 0.08ml per pound of weight given orally once, then repeated in 10 days

Here's how to give oral medications:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...dications-to-all-poultry-and-waterfowl.73335/

Thank you so much! That is super helpful

 

[Hengirl22]

I'm sooooo sorry My rooster past away all the sudden last year. His comb was getting more and more purple. Just like your rooster. I think he had lack of oxygen.

Thank you! I'm sorry for your loss too, what feed were you giving him?

 

[IvyYounts]

Thank you! I'm sorry for your loss too, what feed were you giviing hem.

Thank you! I'm sorry for your loss too, what feed were you giving him?

I'm not sure. Were giving our chickens layer crumbles.