-12 degrees Fahrenheit

[The cheek coop]

It is supposed to be -12 in the morning. Any advice to keep my ladies warm? I have one with mild frostbite on her comb already.

 

[AidKD]

How's your setup? If they're out of the wind they should be fine. I have a frostbite prevention/cure to rub on the comb if you'd like it.

 

[The cheek coop]

How's your setup? If they're out of the wind they should be fine. I have a frostbite prevention/cure to rub on the comb if you'd like it.

We use deep litter and we hav about a foot of loose fresh straw on top of that. The 2 sides have been covered with an old bed sheet and the front and back are still open.

 

[AidKD]

We use deep litter and we hav about a foot of loose fresh straw on top of that. The 2 sides have been covered with an old bed sheet and the front and back are still open.

As long as they're out of the wind they'll be fine!

 

[The cheek coop]

I have a frostbite prevention/cure to rub on the comb if you'd like it.

Yes, please!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It is supposed to be -12 in the morning. Any advice to keep my ladies warm? I have one with mild frostbite on her comb already.

We use deep litter and we hav about a foot of loose fresh straw on top of that. The 2 sides have been covered with an old bed sheet and the front and back are still open.

At -12F you may have some frostbite even if you have offered protection, time will tell.

You've provided wind blocking and deep bedding. As long as they are able to get out of direct wind and stay relatively dry, you're doing good.

Please do not apply any ointments, oils, balms, remedies, etc. etc. to tissue that will be exposed at those temperatures. You will lock in moisture and perhaps exacerbate frostbite if it does happen.

IF you do notice your hens have a touch of frostbite, leave the tissue alone. Do not rub the tissue, do not apply ointments, oils, balms, remedies, etc. to the damaged tissue. You can damage the tissue more by handling it. Let the natural process of healing take place over the course of the next few weeks.

How's your setup? If they're out of the wind they should be fine. I have a frostbite prevention/cure to rub on the comb if you'd like it.

You have a Frostbite "Cure"?! Please post it

 

[Eggcessive]

How many chickens do you have in the coop? I agree with Wyorp Rock. I usually put heavy plastic over the bottom 2/3’s of my large windows during Dec-Feb creating high overhead ventilation from end to end, and completely cover the side windows. If during these extreme cold temps, you have a garage or basement, where the temps would be closer to 20 degrees, it might help to relocate them for a few days or just during the night when the temps are lowest. We are also getting down in the single digits the next couple of nights, and had a 3 degree morning a few days ago. Most frostbite on combs will heal, but rounded comb tips may happen. Good luck with your chickens.

 

[lagrange chicks]

We had -14F a couple mornings in a row and I don't see any frostbite. What I did was before the cold snap was removed most piles of poop which has alot of moister and no water in the coop. In the deep liter method if it is actually composting creates lots of moister which could play into frostbite.

 

[AidKD]

Yes, please!

You rub it on the affected areas 2 times a day until the outer layer flakes off on its own. I've never had to do that though. Usually after I apply it the next day the comb is back to normal. And I didn't add in the plantain or calendula cause I didn't have any. I'm sure if you could get some though that'd be good.
1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
2 Tablespoons Calendula petals dried
2 Tablespoons Plantain leaves
1/2 oz. Beeswax
Lavender oil
Put the coconut oil in a double boiler and turn on medium. Add plantain leaves and calendula and stir until submerged. Heat the oil until it's warm, not boiling, then turn it down as low as possible and let it stay for about 20 minutes. After time is up put the beeswax in then start straining. Once strained, add about 5 drops of lavender and mix. Pour into a jar and allow to cool before using.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

We use deep litter and we hav about a foot of loose fresh straw on top of that. The 2 sides have been covered with an old bed sheet and the front and back are still open.

You have frost bite because that gap is to open drafts are getting in