WHAT CAUSES COMP TIPS TO BE PURPLE?

by Lynne
(Cygnet, Tasmania, Australia)

What could be the cause of my young Isa Red having a purple tipped comb? It's summer here so not related to frost bite. She is eating and drinking but gone off the lay for the first time and I have only had her for 3 months. She is young.

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starstarstarstarstar 		WHY DOES A COMB TURN PURPLE?
by: Sharon

There are a number of things that will cause a normally red comb to turn blue.

As you mentioned and ruled out, Frost bite or very cold temperatures can cause lack of blood flow in the comb and the tips are most commonly the affected area being furthest from the body heat.

Sunburn is also a possibility. Generally the blue color is a sign of lack of blood flow. Dehydration, low blood pressure, can cause extremities to get reduced blood flow allowing more vital parts of the body to receive what they need to function.

Internal and external parasites can cause a drain on blood supply, so that would be good to rule out.

You might try offering Vitamins and Electrolytes during Summer. Anytime there are extremes of temperature, high or low, a chicken's body has to work harder to maintain a good body temperature. Making sure chickens have access to shade when they want it is important in Summer.

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