My Roos comb is turning grey?

[analyticalblonde]

Breeds that have large or larger combs are very susceptible to frostbite and at 1 degree C, that's close enough to freezing for it to happen with there being moisture from your 7 birds breathing in the coop. Ventilation is key to help dissipate the respiration from the birds. It is the tiny droplets from them breathing that settles on the combs coupled with the cold.

Do put vaseline or Bag Balm on the comb to act as a barrier from the moist.

Also, heat lamps condition the birds to warmth and when it is stopped, either by intention or loss of electricity, the birds are not acclimated to the cold, and problems then occur.

 

[mylittlefarmhouse]

Breeds that have large or larger combs are very susceptible to frostbite and at 1 degree C, that's close enough to freezing for it to happen with there being moisture from your 7 birds breathing in the coop. Ventilation is key to help dissipate the respiration from the birds. It is the tiny droplets from them breathing that settles on the combs coupled with the cold.

Do put vaseline or Bag Balm on the comb to act as a barrier from the moist.

Also, heat lamps condition the birds to warmth and when it is stopped, either by intention or loss of electricity, the birds are not acclimated to the cold, and problems then occur.

Since he is new to us, he is afraid and skittish, is there a way to get the vaseline on his comb without being clawed by him? He won't even let me get close to him.

 

[RooandherRooster]

Since he is new to us, he is afraid and skittish, is there a way to get the vaseline on his comb without being clawed by him? He won't even let me get close to him.

I've dealt with this before. You can usually coax him into a smaller area. Say a dog cage, with some scratch feed. From there you can drape a towel over the cage or him to keep him from freaking out too bad. Then you'll have to grab hold of him and if he fights you, just try talking to him calmly, but hold him tight until he stops fidgeting.
Or go into his coop at night when he can't see you well (they can't see well in the dark) and then just apply it right there.

 

[RooandherRooster]

And for trying to get him friendlier, he's young enough to "train him" by just holding him. Carrying him around like a football while you do chores, and then eventually getting him to eat out of your hand. Just getting him used to you really. Hope it helps!

 

[analyticalblonde]

Since he is new to us, he is afraid and skittish, is there a way to get the vaseline on his comb without being clawed by him? He won't even let me get close to him.

Since he doesn't know you and are well-meaning, the advice I would suggest is to wait until he has gone in for the night to roost...chickens kind of go into a trance when they go to sleep at night. It would be easier if you have someone to help - you put your hands down and around his wings, picking him off the roost and the other person lathering the vaseline on his comb. Otherwise, if you don't have an extra pair of hands, then you will have to do the same process but tuck him under your arm, pressing him against your body, holding him firmly, and using your free hand to lather the vaseline on his comb.

 

[mylittlefarmhouse]

I've dealt with this before. You can usually coax him into a smaller area. Say a dog cage, with some scratch feed. From there you can drape a towel over the cage or him to keep him from freaking out too bad. Then you'll have to grab hold of him and if he fights you, just try talking to him calmly, but hold him tight until he stops fidgeting.
Or go into his coop at night when he can't see you well (they can't see well in the dark) and then just apply it right there.

Thanks for all of your help!

 

[mylittlefarmhouse]

Since he doesn't know you and are well-meaning, the advice I would suggest is to wait until he has gone in for the night to roost...chickens kind of go into a trance when they go to sleep at night. It would be easier if you have someone to help - you put your hands down and around his wings, picking him off the roost and the other person lathering the vaseline on his comb. Otherwise, if you don't have an extra pair of hands, then you will have to do the same process but tuck him under your arm, pressing him against your body, holding him firmly, and using your free hand to lather the vaseline on his comb.

I will convince my youngest son to sneak in there with me tonight if I can't get him without terrifying him before he goes to roost
Thanks so much for your help!!

 

[mylittlefarmhouse]

And for trying to get him friendlier, he's young enough to "train him" by just holding him. Carrying him around like a football while you do chores, and then eventually getting him to eat out of your hand. Just getting him used to you really. Hope it helps!

Yes, I like this idea and will start trying to carry him around tomorrow morning. Our past two roosters were very friendly but they had a lot of time to get to know us and our friendly neighbors down the road. I love this forum! Thanks again!

 

[RooandherRooster]

Thanks for all of your help!

You're welcome!

 

[analyticalblonde]

I will convince my youngest son to sneak in there with me tonight if I can't get him without terrifying him before he goes to roost
Thanks so much for your help!!

♥