A must have for all chicken owners is the Chicken Health Handbook by Gail Damerow. Order your copy today at Meyer Hatchery - Chicken Health Handbook.
Your chicken’s comb can be a good indicator of some possible health concerns. After a chicken is fully grown and is laying eggs, (if it’s a hen), the comb should be bright red unless it’s a fibromelanistic breed like a Silkie or Ayam Cemani.
Pale Comb
A pale comb may indicate an issue with the chicken’s circulatory system. It can also indicate anemia caused by mites, lice or internal parasites.
Heat exhaustion is another cause of a sudden pale comb. Make sure your flock has plenty of fresh water and shade when the weather is really hot and humid.
A young pullet that has not yet begun to lay eggs may also have a pale comb. In fact, a noticeable, sudden reddening and enlarging of the comb is the most reliable indicator that your young pullet is preparing to lay her first eggs!
Bluish Comb
A bluish-colored comb usually indicates either a respiratory issue or a sudden heart and/or circulatory system issue. A heavy load of gapeworms may cause respiratory distress that could cause the comb to turn bluish. Chickens also can contract many different upper respiratory illnesses that may cause the comb to turn pale or blue, especially when stressed with too much activity like being caught.
Black Comb
A comb that has turned black may be caused by frostbite. Severe frostbite may lead to the comb falling off as the dead tissue sloughs. If this happens, the frostbite injury is permanent, and the comb will not grow back.
A black or dusky dark comb may also indicate an issue with the circulatory or respiratory system.
**NOTE -- A melanated face/comb happens in many breeds and is normal.
A Cream Legbar rooster with spots due to pecking
Spots On Comb
White or scabby-looking raised spots on the comb may be caused by fowlpox. Purple spots may be caused by fowl cholera, especially if other symptoms include coughing and swelling of the face and wattles. Black spots on the comb may also be caused by pecking from flockmates.
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