Does My Rooster Have Frostbite? What Is This Discoloration?

[Rob and Sheila]

As you can tell I am a very new wanna-be chicken person. I read (I forgot the source) that discoloration of a Chicken's comb can be an indication of some issues (respiratory issues, frostbite, etc). I got a lucky picture of my rooster (Hank) below. Is the darker area anything I should be worried about?

We have had (like the rest of the US) a string of very Very cold nights and days with lots of wind and I fear he has frostbite. Even if he (or our hens) don't have it now, what could/should be done to treat it if they ever get frostbite in the future?

I read a while back (again, forgot the source) that Vaseline on the comb helps frostbite. Is that true? If so, should we all be putting Vaseline proactively on all our chicken's combs?

What can a chicken's comb indicate when it comes to health?

I read a while back (again, forgot the source) that Vaseline on the comb helps frostbite. Is that true? If so, should we all be putting Vaseline proactively on all our chicken's combs?

What can a chicken's comb indicate when it comes to health?

 

[Yardmom]

I think he has some mild frostbite. Just let it heal on its own. I have heard that putting Vaseline on combs and wattles traps moisture and may cause more (not less) frostbite. I have no personal experience with the Vaseline on chickens.

 

[Brooks_]

Looks like minor frostbite. I would not use Vaseline proactively. (I also don't have winter). There is a great article on the main page about frostbite. Fully worth the read.