Biddie Newbie

[ycornelis]

Hi everyone!
I am fairly new to backyard chickens. I bought 4 chicks at Tractor Supply...(didn't know better at the time) last March. It has been a real adventure since I brought them home. We kept them in a spare bedroom because it was too cold to put them in the garage. I had no idea what to choose on my impulse purchase, so 2 Buff Orpington's and 2 Wyndotte Golden Lace became my new flock.
I have to say watching them grow and then learn to explore their outdoor environment has been my favorite part so far. I love being outdoors, although I am a full time special education teacher. So in my spare time I find delight in my biddies.
I only have my Wyndotte's, both Opingtons turned out to be roosters and we found a home for them so they could crow to their hearts content.
Currently, one of my girls looks like she is molting and her crown is dulled in color and has a black spot on it. In doing a search, backyardchickens.com came up and had the most user friendly advice. I am glad to be part of this community and learn from those who have gone before me!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I’m sure the experts will be along to advise. I have no experience with jolting birds since i live in the tropics and birds don’t partake

This is a useful link of BYC guides to take a look at announcements-feedback-issues-guides.3 I’d suggest including your location using the guide in that link. You can use this link to contact members in your area - Find your State's thread.

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[Grits&Eggs]

WELCOME! Sorry about the bad experience with TSC, I fully enjoyed the Austras I got last April - all hens now (whew!). You will love this site - enjoy!!

 

[Granny Hatchet]

A teacher ! What ages do you teach ? I have great respect for special ed teachers. Can you include your general location ? Could the black spot be frostbite ? Pictures in the emergency thread will lead you to a probable diagnoses

 

[N F C]

@Granny Hatchet had the same thought I did about the black spot on your girls comb. Not sure where in this big world you're located so don't know how your weather is.

Anyway, it's nice to have you here...thanks for joining us!

 

[Melky]

Welcome and Happy Holidays!​

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
The black spot is most likely a little peck wound. Not uncommon but if you are worried at /all you can start a new thread here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures.10/
and post a picture.
Have fun growing your flock!

 

[feathermaid]

Sorry to hear about the bad roo luck! I was thinking the same as others about the black spot... frostbite is pretty common in cold weather, especially if there's not enough ventilation. Moisture buildup from body heat and breathing can freeze and that's what causes it. But Wyandottes have pea combs and are usually very cold hardy breeds. So could just be a peck or a scratch that's formed a scab. Hmm, and usually young chickens don't experience a true molt until coming into their second winter. Are you sure something didn't come around and try to attack them?

Could be nothing to worry about. Can try posting pictures here if you're still concerned.

Also, these articles have great information on frostbite and ventilation:
Chicken Coop Ventilation - Go Out There And Cut More Holes In Your Coop!
Prevent Frostbite During Winter

Best wishes!

 

[feathermaid]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
The black spot is most likely a little peck wound. Not uncommon but if you are worried at /all you can start a new thread here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures.10/
and post a picture.
Have fun growing your flock!

@DobieLover You and me think alike!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal community! Make yourself at home and have lots of fun!