Redish feet on a rooster - Ask Extension
I have a barred rock mix rooster who is 9 months old and lives free range during the day and in a coop at a night with 4 hens. I noticed his feet have...
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Redish feet on a rooster #855410
Asked November 16, 2023, 4:53 PM EST
I have a barred rock mix rooster who is 9 months old and lives free range during the day and in a coop at a night with 4 hens. I noticed his feet have a red tinge and am wondering if this is a sign of disease? he appears healthy to me otherwise. feet are normally yellow. I have noticed this change in the past month.
Bernalillo County New Mexico
Expert Response
Do you have a photograph so we have an idea of what you are looking at?
Hi thanks for your response. Yes attaching them here. 
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 17, 2023, at 8:00 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
There are several possible reasons why feet may have a red or pink tinge. Since winter is coming and not spring, the second or third are more likely than the first. Just keep an eye on his feet to make sure that the color is not the result of an irritation of some sort. Make sure the litter in the poultry house is dry and that there are roosts for him at night.
- Hormone surge: A rooster's hormones may go into overdrive as spring establishes itself and his hens' egg production starts up again. The layers' reproductive reawakening causes a natural, hormonal reaction in the rooster, indicated by his bright red toes and shanks.
- Winter heat transference: When chickens stand on cold surfaces, their feet can become cold and red.
- Breed: Some breeds of chickens have naturally red feet
