Chicks Legs Frozen Solid

[Ravynscroft]

@Ravynscroft I wanted to tag you before, but couldn’t find you since I was misspelling your name.

Sorry, don't think I can help here...

 

[Welshies]

I think they may have a case of frostbite. Had they actually frozen the cells which are near close to 100% water would have burst the membranes and they would have died by now.

I think your concern should be focused on discolored flesh, (dead cells, tissue sloughing and bacterial infection, possibly gangrene).

That is if tissues had actually frozen and its not another issue.

Severe frostbite nonetheless. They couldn't curl toes and the legs had no give, as well as hitting stuff and sounding like ice. Frozen solid.

 

[micstrachan]

No worries. Anyone know who the resident experts (I know nobody is really an expert here, it’s just an expression) are on cold weather issues and/or medical trauma? I know we have at least one, maybe a couple nurses. I would think the same methods apply with regard to dealing with serious frost bite.

 

[Welshies]

Here's an update. Most are doing okay, still limping a bit. I'm letting them relax. A couple have red spots, one of which has two blisters on one foot as yoy can see. This is the same chick that lost half a toe at about 3 weeks of age.
Do you guys think I should remove the splint from my chick with the broken leg? It has been on for 2 weeks, but I'm not sure if I should have a peak, or leave it after this frostbite.

 

[azygous]

What a tragedy! Here's a BYC thread that's almost identical to this one. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/severe-frostbite-on-feet-early-stages-what-to-do.415472/

See how they handled it.

 

[azygous]

With frostbite, you don't want anything rubbing on the damaged tissue, so I would remove the splint. It takes about two weeks to heal a break on a chick, so it's probably okay by now.

 

[Welshies]

They discussed what to do if legs became black. The blisters protect the tissue below. Twice a day epsom salt soak was supposed to help.
I should probably treat for shock, or what do you guys think?

 

[Welshies]

With frostbite, you don't want anything rubbing on the damaged tissue, so I would remove the splint. It takes about two weeks to heal a break on a chick, so it's probably okay by now.

I'll remove it in a bit, I want to let them relax before I decide on my next move... also dealing with my dog who decided to go in labour. The irony of timing, hey?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

So sorry to hear about this. From the photo it looks like frostbite. These youngsters will need to be kept a little warmer. See that they are eating/drinking. Also it's best not to manipulate toes/feet/legs or combs until chicks have thoroughly warmed up. Maybe in the morning. Here's a good article that you may find helpful.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbitten-feet-the-adventures-of-scout.67277/

 

[azygous]

How we don't envy you.

Seriously, hang in there. We're your support team.