| 1. How can I prevent frostbite?
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using 2 x 4 roosts, laid flat, make the chickens roost on their feet, which will keep them warm. For combs and wattles, some vaseline will help prevent frostbite from happening. For VERY extreme conditions, heat the coop with a ceramic or red-bulb heating light.
submitted by
Morganne
, answered by admin
, last updated Nov 20, 2009 |
| 2. It's been extremely cold in the northeast . My rooster now has blackness on his comb with yellow blisters. What this is and how can I treat it!
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Sounds like frostbite. Chickens commonly get it on the comb, wattles, or feet. It is best treated with an antibiotic ointment (like Polysporin) over the blisters and blackened areas. The blackened areas may wither and fall off if the frostbite is full thickness. Frostbite can be prevented with a thick coating of Vasaline over the comb and wattles and wide perches such that their feet are flat, like a 2x4 on side, not edge, so that their feet are warmed by the body. Reducing drafts in the coop in winter is important but do not allow the coop to be without ventilation as high humidity will increase the chances of frostbite happening.
submitted by
Kathie Catucci
, answered by admin
, last updated Nov 20, 2009 |
| 4. In colder climates, is it normal for chickens to stop laying in winter?
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It is normal for hens to stop or slow down laying in the winter months. The shorter days trigger this slow down, rather than the temperature.
In order to keep hens laying all winter, artificial light can be used to equal 14 hours of light per day.
submitted by
Todd
, answered by admin
, last updated Nov 20, 2009 |
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