a rooster, it'd be 'natural' to assert his turf?
Can I ask, how COLD it was out in the coop? Could the Temp change the color of his feet? What I know about Chickens is zilch... had parakeets tho and I don't think that counts, except when they were either in breeding mode or moulting their beek noses would change color....
Just watch YOUR scratches, PLEASE! It's those little ones that can evolve into nasty ones if your'e not careful!
Remember? Each day now is longer than the one before! There is hope for a SPRING!!!! Hugs etc. - j