What is the black on my chickens combs?????

[baldie]

I have been noticing that some of my chickens have black stuff on their combs. At first I thought it was poop, but I tried to pick it off of one and I couldn't. Could it be dried blood? It almost looks like one of the others may have bit it? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Chrissie

 

[winekntrychicks]

Mine have that too. I think it's from when they peck at each other. You know, the pecking order thing. I noticed my pullets started having it once the roo became amorous to them. He grabs them with his beak.

 

[winekntrychicks]

yes I think it's dried blood.

 

[baldie]

Thanks.I was actually hoping it was dried blood and not some type of disease. Diseases make me very nervous. Is there something I should be putting on it, to prevent infection?

 

[mypicklebird]

If anyone is getting especially beaten up, probably separate that one to let it heal, so the other chickens will not pick at the spot. If there are just a few scabs, and they do not look like raised pox type lesions, just leave them alone, and they will heal just like a scratch on a person.

If you are now thinking about POX, search for photos so you can tell tell the difference.....

They are raised bumps with grey white around the outside and darker centers, also seen on the comb and wattles. And if you pick one off and put it in water, it won't dissolve and turn back into blood like a blood scab from a comb would.