what is this on our rooster's comb

[Yeshuas daughter]

Hi. Can anyone tell me what this is on our rooster's comb? It is on both sides. How do we treat it? How do we care for the hens that he was in with? He was born last spring, 2024.

 

[CoopBoots]

Not an expert, but that looks like a really big scab. I've seen one like this persist because of other chickens picking it regularly. I'd suggest keeping him separate in look, but no touch, range, and a little non-pain-removing triple antibiotic ointment if it looks weepy or infected.

Can you get a closer picture, in case there's a little more going on? Does he seem happy, healthy, good appetite and poops?

 

[Yeshuas daughter]

We already separated him last night. He does not seem noticeably different. He ended up getting out when we tried to get him to treat him. Attached is the best we could do for a closer picture.

 

[CoopBoots]

They can be tricky to photograph! I'd look over the hens' for any comb damage too (just in case there's something flock-wide that could going on) but I think he got scraped or mildly injured, then hen-picked. I know it seems crazy but I had a rooster who let his ladies do this... he seemed to accept it as grooming rather than further injury. Mine did eventually heal but I'd try and keep him separated so it doesn't get infected and heals faster.

If you choose to put him back in, definitely watch for hens picking at him. Maybe some judicious blu-kote application could discourage this but I'd be careful about using it near his eyes or where it could run into them.

 

[Yeshuas daughter]

Thank you. We will definitely look over the hens. Roo is still outside his hen's coop. We are waiting till he goes to roost for the night to try to grab him. We may have to open the coop where his hens are tonight to see if he goes in and then get him that way.