[tycae]

My4 hens seem very healthy and are laying and eating but their combs have gone black and it has spread to around their faces. Should I take them to a vet??

[carolbriar]

Doesn't sound great but I have no idea.  I hope someone comes along soon with some advice.

[scabs]

I would say get them to the vet sharpish.

I'm certainly no expert and I don't want to worry you unnecessarily, but a quick Google suggests a symptom of either heart or, more likely, liver problems.

I'm sure that someone more qualified can be more specific.

[otis pony]

Have they been eating anything different recently?  Would be interested to know the outcome, always worrying about what my girls are finding to eat on their travels!

[Pretty Chick]

I hope they're okay tycae. Are you able to post a couple of photos of their combs etc.?

[Kelloggs]

  Not sure about black face but black comb is usually lack of oxygen. Are they unsteady on their feet at any time. My beautiul boy Kelloggs had this and although seemed fine to begin with he then got unsteady on his feet, then kept passing out and coming round but it got worse.
Please get them to a vet, my boy had to have injections everyday for a couple of weeks.
Hopefully I'm wrong seeing they have black faces but best to be on the safe side.

[carolbriar]

How are the hens tycae?  I hope you managed to get them to the vet and they were able to give some sort of diagnosis/treatment.

[tycae]

Great news, the hens are all fit and well! I made an appointment to take them to the vets (fearing the worst) but the evening before the appointment i was giving one of the hens it's daily cuddle and felt her comb to see if it's texture had changed. What do you know, some of the black came away in my hand! At first i thought it was skin - ugh, but then it dawned on me that it could possible be dirt. So they have all had a quick wash and lo and behold not a black comb in sight! You can imagine my embarrassment when i rang the vet to cancel the appointment. We all had a good laugh though!

Thanks for your support - I have only had hens for a few months and still have lots to learn!!

[Jeanette]

So pleased that it is ok. It reminds me of a time that i rushed my dog to the vets saying that she was bleeding from the mouth but i could'nt see anything it turned out that she had eaten my daughters red lipstick. I really felt a fool. the vet charged £30 for that.

[scabs]

 

Sorry to scaremonger - glad it was just muck!

[Kelloggs]

Great news what a relief

[8doubles]

I though my hens faces had gone a strange colour, sliced beetroot was the reason.

[scabs]

 

[Sassy]

I love a happy ending!

[Pretty Chick]

Sooooo pleased to hear there was nothing wrong with them after all  :happy: