4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Mattaz]

Ive Just Noticed my Chicken's Wattles ( The two bits of loose skin under a chickens chin ) has turned purple and in some places a dark purple. im not sure what to do. Please help me!!

Edited July 28, 2009 by Guest

[Egluntyne]

Has she bruised them, do you think? Does she push her head through narrow gaps such as those in netting?

 

Is she other wise well or does she seem subdued or breathless?

[Mattaz]

No she's still very active, she sprints with her sister, Monica when i have food and stuff and her behaviour hasnt changed. But over here it has been raining alot the last few days and theyve both been getting soaked and her Wattles have only turned purple since it started raining alot

[Mattaz]

Please someone, she still has it.

[Daphne]

Mattaz - when comb goes purple its usually the sign of circulation/heart problem. TBH purple comb is not a good sign and if you need your mind putting at rest I would take her to the vet to find out one way or another - although if there is a serious underlying problem there may not be much they can do. The good news, however, is that your bird is still active so perhaps its not that bad. I presume she used to have a healthy red comb? I'm sure the rain hasn't got anything to do with it - at least not if she has a dry house, good food, access to water and isn't suffering lice/mites/worms. She's not a silkie is she? They do have dark skin.

[Egluntyne]

I agree with Daphne.....if you are really worried, take her to the vet, if only to have your mind put at rest.

 

If, as you say, she is 'sprinting around' is eating and drinking, is not subdued or breathless, then there is probably nothing amiss.

[Mattaz]

Her comb isnt a problem, thats still a healthy red it is just simply her wattles. ive been telling my dad we need to take her to the vet but my dad keeps saying theres no need.

[Plum]

Hello I've been searching my books and the internet trying to find something to help you but I only found stuff about when the comb and wattles turn purple when the chicken is really unwell. So guess your dad is probably right to say wait and see.

 

You could give your girl a really good check over for any other signs to help your dad decide if help is needed. Like having a look at her nose for discharge, listening to her breathing for wheezes and cough, does she feel the same weight, is her skin the normal colour, any areas of redness, is her tummy the same as the other chickens, that sort of thing. Check her vent as well.

 

I would make sure she's still eating and drinking as well and check she's still perky.

[Mattaz]

ok thanx

[chick wiggle]

How is she now Mattaz ? *fingers crossed*

[Rona]

Just read this and hope she is OK now but this is a photo of my Merlot taken last year - I think the greedy guts had eaten a bumble bee . I didn't take her to the vets as she was otherwise happy and lively. She was like this for a few days then it went down and she was fine. Her wattles were blue and swollen and she had a double chin like Miss Marples

 

Hope your girl is OK now or you have taken her to the vets but if not I hope this helps.