Bag Balm: when to apply for winter protection?

[jeepgrrl]

Hi all! I know that ventilation/frost bite is an ageless topic but I couldn't find the direct information that I am seeking via searching the BYC forum. Unfortunately a few of my hens that were labeled as "cold hardy" by the hatchery have larger single combs and I am worried about frost bite. I know that ventilation in the coop is of the utmost importance and I have been diligent in changing the pine bedding out weekly. I have been leaving the only window open (we flipped it upside down so the open part is at the top). The window is on the west side of the coop, facing into the covered run (metal roof). There is also a sun/wind cloth attached to the west end of the coop that was put in place during the summer and I just left it up to try and cut down on the wind blowing through the run. The door is on the east side of the coop. The door is pretty much made of hardware cloth from top to bottom and I have been leaving that open as well. I bought a hygrometer for the coop so I can monitor the humidity levels (upper 40% to low/mid 50% during the day, usually in the upper 60% low 70% by the time we leave for work the next morning at 5am; nighttime temps have been anywhere from 25 degrees F to 40 degrees F so far but its only middle of November). I do keep the heated (covered) waterer in the coop. I haven't smelled any ammonia build up or mustiness as of yet. This weekend we plan on installing an additional 12" x 12" vent over the window and another 10" x 6" vent over the door. I guess I got off on a tangent on ventilation so, to make a long story short, when should I apply the bag balm and how often? My apologies in advance for all the verbage just to ask one question!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I am a bit north of you in Wisconsin. My hens generally only get a touch of frostbite on extremely cold days. I personally wouldn't worry about it. Generally their combs shrink back a bit in winter so they aren't so large. Hens will tuck their heads under a wing at night which protect the combs at least at night a bit.

If you still want to apply it I would apply it anytime temperatures are below zero.

 

[Cryss]

I am a bit north of you in Wisconsin. My hens generally only get a touch of frostbite on extremely cold days. I personally wouldn't worry about it. Generally their combs shrink back a bit in winter so they aren't so large. Hens will tuck their heads under a wing at night which protect the combs at least at night a bit.

If you still want to apply it I would apply it anytime temperatures are below zero.

Do you mean below 0-C or below 0-F?

 

[Kiki]

Do you mean below 0-C or below 0-F?

I would guess they meant F.

 

[Cryss]

Big difference.

 

[Kiki]

I assume F because they are in the US.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Do you mean below 0-C or below 0-F?

0 Fahrenheit. I read others suggest 32 degrees. I don't use anything on mine. I only see damage after temperatures drop below the negative teens to -20 Fahrenheit. Where you live and generally humidity levels can be a factor too.

 

[Crooked Chicken]

You can apply a light coat of bag balm or vaseline to the combs and wattles when they go to roost for the night. Don't leave it too gooey as everything sticks to it. Every other day is probably sufficient when the temps will drop below freezing.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I rather be safe than sorry so have been applying bag balm to my flock. Just my opinion.

 

[Cryss]

0 Fahrenheit. I read others suggest 32 degrees. I don't use anything on mine. I only see damage after temperatures drop below the negative teens to -20 Fahrenheit. Where you live and generally humidity levels can be a factor too.

Thank you

 

[jeepgrrl]

I am a bit north of you in Wisconsin. My hens generally only get a touch of frostbite on extremely cold days. I personally wouldn't worry about it. Generally their combs shrink back a bit in winter so they aren't so large. Hens will tuck their heads under a wing at night which protect the combs at least at night a bit.

If you still want to apply it I would apply it anytime temperatures are below zero.

Thank you for the advice! I tend to worry too much when it comes to my feather and fur babies!