Rooster's comb turning purple

[SpoiledHens]

Hi to all,

My girlfriend and I are new to BYC. We initially purchased 22 hens as day old chicks. The breeds are Rhode Island Reds, Buff Orphingtons, Silver Laced Wyandottes, Easter Eggers, Welsummer, Golden Buffs and Black Stars. They are currently 6 months old now and are currently laying eggs.

Approximately 3 to 4 weeks ago we purchased a Buff Orphington Rooster (approximately 9 months to a year old) and introduced him to the hens and haven't noticed any problems or issues until yesterday. While feeding them all some treats we noticed the tips of the Rooster's comb seemed to have a purple hue to it. In the past the entire comb has always been a bright vibrant red color.

Would anyone know what causes this? Should we be concerned or is this normal?

 

[thechickfam]

Welcome to BYC! Do you have a picture that you could post of his comb?

 

[Nupe]

Sounds like your hens aren't feeling the "love." A rooster that age has some seriously raging hormones. It could be getting pecked. A pic will help.

 

[junebuggena]

A comb turning purple/blue is usually an indication of heart problems.

 

[SpoiledHens]

Thanks for the quick response,

I don't currently have a picture of the roosters comb but my girlfriend is on her way over to the coop to get one. I'll post a picture as soon as she sends one to me.

 

[SpoiledHens]

I haven't noticed any of the hens rejecting his advancements and haven't noticed them pecking at him.

If it's a heart issue? is there anything I should be doing?

 

[SpoiledHens]

When checked today, the Rooster's comb was bright red again? Only thing I can think is that we did some yard work around the coop yesterday that included mowing and weed eating? Could that have just stressed him out a little causing the comb to change color?

 

[junebuggena]

He might have an underlying heart problem. The stress from the loud motors so close to the coop might have just been a bit too much for him. In the pictures, his comb looks pretty normal to me.

 

[SpoiledHens]

Thanks Junebug,

I guess I'll keep monitoring him and see if there are any changes. I'm thinking you are right, the loud machinery was just to much for him. Apparently he doesn't like yard work!!! LOL

 

[thechickfam]

He might have an underlying heart problem. The stress from the loud motors so close to the coop might have just been a bit too much for him. In the pictures, his comb looks pretty normal to me.

I agree. If it happens again, can you post pictures?