Why does the comb have some black on it?

[ChickenGirl555]

I noticed a few days ago that my Buff Orpington pullet had two black...tips? I don't really know how to say this professionally but on two of the "spikes" on her comb, there is black dots. It wasn't growing, it was like the comb was colored black. Is this serious? Normal? Should I wait it off? Please help, this is my first flock so I have never seen this before.

 

[lazy gardener]

Pic?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Black spots are likely from an injury like being bitten by another bird.
Blood in the comb is right at the surface. Any injury will result in some bleeding that appears as a black spot when it dries.
Frostbite can affect the tips too.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Pic?

I can't get one right now because I am not home, but I remembered to ask now, so can you take a guess?

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Black spots are likely from an injury like being bitten by another bird.
Blood in the comb is right at the surface. Any injury will result in some bleeding that appears as a black spot when it dries.
Frostbite can affect the tips too.

They are establishing the pecking order now, but how cold does it have to be for frostbite? The coldest it's been (since they move into the coop a few weeks ago) has been 33 degrees F

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Probably just a superficial wound from squabbling.
Frostbite depends on humidity and temp. I usually only get frostbite on roosters' combs. That can start under 15F when it's humid on huge combs but I've never had frostbite on a hen.

 

[lazy gardener]

Most likely pecking order. Do a google search for Fowl pox to rule that out. No frost bite if temps above freezing. Coop needs lots of good ventilation, no matter what the temp. Moisture is your enemy in the coop.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Most likely pecking order. Do a google search for Fowl pox to rule that out. No frost bite if temps above freezing. Coop needs lots of good ventilation, no matter what the temp. Moisture is your enemy in the coop.

Looked up fowl pox, and it is DEFINITELY not that. Based on what you're saying, it's probably just from establishing pecking order and her sisters pecking her.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

I will try to get a picture when I get home, so we can confirm it isn't serious. Thank you for the help! I will put the picture in as soon as I can!

 

[Sunshine Flock]

This is my first year with chickens, too.

Mostly the rooster is the one who has had teeny black specks on his comb, all on the very tips. He's not as fast or thorough as the hens when it comes to treats. The ladies will swarm him when he has a blueberry in his beak and take it from him.

It didn't take long for me to determine these black spots weren't insects (it's important to make sure) and instead were anxious hens focused on food.