comb turning very dark almost black

[gaggan]

Hi I am new to this forum and I posted this question on the wrong topic page so I have finally found where it is supposed to go. I had one answer which was good advise but just wanted some more if possible. One of my chickens has stopped laying and her comb has gone from a beautiful vivid red to a very dark almost black colour. On looking this morning another one is going the same way and one has black spots starting on hers. If anyone knows what could be causing this I would be very happy to listen if there was something I could do. I would hate anything to happen to the girls through my ignorance.

 

[Chuck]

Darkened combs are usually associated with heart problems and very occasionally with extreme cold. A heart problem would normally be assiciated with one hen so it's hard to say why the second one has black blotches.

I'm not able to offer much help on this one but felt someone should reply.