tips of comb turning black no other symptoms- PLEASE help

[Godiva]

I had a wonderful roo (who is still going strong as someone else's roo now) who's comb would go really dark especially on the tips - I too thought it was a circulation issue at first but after watching him and seeing how he was acting absolutely fine and how it would come and go with no other symptoms, I just decided not to worry. As I say he is still going and even at 4 1/2 years old he is fathering many chicks....

It sure sounds like the testosterone levels could explain my roos symptoms - what do you think about yours? Is he looking healthy otherwise? Is there any other symptom that is causing you concern?

 

[Kaelinstorm]

No worms. There is a little bit of a cold going about with them but they are being treated... So possibly a slight lack of oxygen? It does seem to darken one day and fade another so youre probably right about the little dudes circulation. As for his errr "frustrations" he and his hens should be on the verge of maturity (about 5 months I think) No one is laying eggs yet thats for sure. But it sure is funny to watch this little one pounder guy (if hes that lol) with three girls three times his size in tow. LOL (one is a silver leghorn and the others are either NH or RIR)

 

[Avalon1984]

Could he be stressed? My roos tend to get a dark comb if they get stressed from too many other roos, upset hens, etc. Just a guess

 

[Kaelinstorm]

Quote:
Possibly. Maybe the cold stresses him. Or maybe its because I had to separate my other flock of two (A Roo and a Hen) because they were very sick. I noticed today the four tried to come up to the isolation pen. I think they miss them or something. Didnt think that was possible. But Its like my little Roo looks up to the older one or something. They hang out a lot and Snack (The older roo) kinda watches after everyone but has no interest in Coffee's (little Roo with the darkened comb) hens. Even though the hen score is Snack:One and Coffee: Three. They are the weirdest bunch Ive seen... I guess I just never thought a dominate Roo would be satisfied with the quo... Kept thinking anyday he is going to take over Coffee's Hens... Anyway so like I said Snack and his hen Dinner are isolated and maybe Coffee misses them? I dunno his comb was having a good day today it seemed. Guess Ill see what tomorrow brings *Shrugs*

 

[Avalon1984]

Quote:
Possibly. Maybe the cold stresses him. Or maybe its because I had to separate my other flock of two (A Roo and a Hen) because they were very sick. I noticed today the four tried to come up to the isolation pen. I think they miss them or something. Didnt think that was possible. But Its like my little Roo looks up to the older one or something. They hang out a lot and Snack (The older roo) kinda watches after everyone but has no interest in Coffee's (little Roo with the darkened comb) hens. Even though the hen score is Snack:One and Coffee: Three. They are the weirdest bunch Ive seen... I guess I just never thought a dominate Roo would be satisfied with the quo... Kept thinking anyday he is going to take over Coffee's Hens... Anyway so like I said Snack and his hen Dinner are isolated and maybe Coffee misses them? I dunno his comb was having a good day today it seemed. Guess Ill see what tomorrow brings *Shrugs*

I say give him the good old watermelon treatment. That may make him happy. I know mine look happier instantly

Good luck and hopefully his comb will return to normal again soon.

 

[Kaelinstorm]

So update: I think it was the pnuemonia going around. Everyone got 2 weeks of treatment and now are doing well

As for Coffee's comb - Its back to normal. He looks pretty great. Im a little worried about when winter comes, now knowing how fragile the little booger is. :-/ Guess Ill just have to pray the winter doesnt get too cold this year. Thanks guys!

 

[Avalon1984]

Quote:
Glad to hear everybody is getting better. Just keep them on good food and make sure everybody gets enough, that is about all you can do. I have found that I lose the equal amount of weak birds, whether I have a heatlamp on or not. It's just nature but you can still do the besy you can. I am sure he will be fine

 

[Kaelinstorm]

Quote:
Glad to hear everybody is getting better. Just keep them on good food and make sure everybody gets enough, that is about all you can do. I have found that I lose the equal amount of weak birds, whether I have a heatlamp on or not. It's just nature but you can still do the besy you can. I am sure he will be fine

Oh yeah I know. I havent lost a bird to the cold yet (Im in Texas) but last winter was kinda rough and my other rooster, Snack, who once had an impressive comb - Lost all of the tips of his comb to frost bite. And Coffee's comb is even more impressive looking. Ill miss it if he looses it

But all I can do is just heat lamp them and pray. Let go and let what will happen happen...

 

[Avalon1984]

Quote:
Glad to hear everybody is getting better. Just keep them on good food and make sure everybody gets enough, that is about all you can do. I have found that I lose the equal amount of weak birds, whether I have a heatlamp on or not. It's just nature but you can still do the besy you can. I am sure he will be fine

Oh yeah I know. I havent lost a bird to the cold yet (Im in Texas) but last winter was kinda rough and my other rooster, Snack, who once had an impressive comb - Lost all of the tips of his comb to frost bite. And Coffee's comb is even more impressive looking. Ill miss it if he looses it

But all I can do is just heat lamp them and pray. Let go and let what will happen happen...

I believe you can use vaseline for frostbite. Not sure if it is as a preventative or treatment. Better luck with your roos this winter!

 

[Kaelinstorm]

Quote:
Oh yeah I know. I havent lost a bird to the cold yet (Im in Texas) but last winter was kinda rough and my other rooster, Snack, who once had an impressive comb - Lost all of the tips of his comb to frost bite. And Coffee's comb is even more impressive looking. Ill miss it if he looses it

But all I can do is just heat lamp them and pray. Let go and let what will happen happen...

I believe you can use vaseline for frostbite. Not sure if it is as a preventative or treatment. Better luck with your roos this winter!

Guess it wouldnt hurt to try! Though catching the tiny booger will be fun indeed LOL He looked like a roadrunner as a baby and he runs about as fast as one! LOL