russ Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 have just put chickens to bed for the night and i noticed that two with the largest combs have got little black spots on the tips of thier combs, we do have woodchip in the run but if it is not that, does anyone have any idea what it could be? i did not notice it before but we have not had chickens for very long and are still learning. thanks in advance for any replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 I don't know what the weather has been like where you are but I think this sometimes happen when the combs get a bit frostbitten, if you rub the comb with a touch of vaseline when cold weather is forecast I think it helps. If you haven't had any frost I don't know what else to suggest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smanners Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 Some of mine have this too! I think it's just pigmentation (like freckles on us) and nothing to worry about May be someone else might agree or give an alternative explantion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pistachio Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 one of my gingernut rangers got this as her comb became larger. It's like she has been dipped in brown paint upside down. I looked closely and it all seems healthy and the right texture, no wrinkly bits or dry bits - so I assumed it was pigmentation. I'm only a beginner - but that was my guess. They have to get FREEZING to get frostbitten combs I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 They have to get FREEZING to get frostbitten combs I think. That's good news Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarah-w Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 My black rock has a comb like that and has since we got her,it seems healthy though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bephlam Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 Discolouration should be monitored - especially if it's just appeared, rather than been there since the comb developed. I know they have to get very cold to suffer frostbite, and even then it's rarely a serious problem (more unsightly if it's a show bird, etc) but black spots etc can be the visible signs of the comb (and fleshy parts of the head) suffering from cold. Apply Vaseline if worried....and you can also rub the fleshy parts of the head (& comb) to stimulate the area, which increases blood flow making it less susceptible to the cold! I'm sure it'll be nothing to worry about though!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ Posted November 15, 2008 Author Share Posted November 15, 2008 no, hasn't been frosty so far will put some vaseline on them and keep an eye out to see if it gets any worse. thanks very much from me and the chickens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 It can be bruising from being pecked. Combs rarely get frostbitten in the UK except in very extreme weather, ie below -10 centigrade. It is more of a problem in a cold damp and badly ventilated coop as moisture is past of the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
