Diaper ointment / diaper cream for frostbite protection?

[thecitychicken]

I live in the Pacific N.W. where it usually doesn't get below freezing. Last few days it's been in the single digits. I only have three hens at the moment. One is a brown Leghorn with a big floppy comb. I have read differing opinions on these message boards about using greasy stuff of any kind on combs as frostbite protection. Today I put zinc-based diaper ointment/cream on my Leghorn's comb. It's opaque white and very thick. Was that dumb that I just did that? She scratched at it; I hope she doesn't scratch too much. Anyway, I might have done nothing to help, but I'm just hoping I at least didn't do any harm. Thanks! ~~Katy

 

[frankenchick]

Sorry, I don't have any wisdom to impart.

I'm curious about the advice against greasy stuff; I put a balm made of olive oil, beeswax, and rosemary oil on my girls. I warm it up and then apply it. They may fuss at first, but then seem to enjoy it. I don't glob it on, maybe that makes a difference.

 

[thecitychicken]

Update: Nothing bad happened to my hen that I put diaper ointment on (her comb). It eventually rubbed off, and she looks fine. Just thought I'd say that!