First sign of frost bite?

[bkbuz1987]

I searched for information on frostbite and black on combs but didn't come up with anything conclusive.

We had our first cold day with wind. Last night before bed I went to check on birds I noticed roo's comb becoming dark almost black on tips. This morning his color is back to normal. Was this the begining of frost bite?

Dumb cluck could have gone into the coop where there is shelter and warmth but he decided to hang outside all day. This is only the begining of our cold season!

 

[rockymtnchickens]

hey bkbuz1987,
I would be curious what you find out and where or what elevation you are at in Co. I am a little above 8,000' by Aspen. This is my first year raising chickens and it will be our first winter. We are getting the coop ready this weekend, but it has already been getting really really cold at night. They have seemed to be ok, and it hasn't froze inside the coop yet. But i did notice a little black spots on the tip of one of my roo's combs today, not sure if it is just maybe some blood splatter (he can be an aggressive little bugger sometimes). Do you have any wintering tips for me? Sorry I can't help you though.

 

[bkbuz1987]

I'm at 7000 ft. The inside of the coop must have been right at freezing because their water had some ice, not frozen solid. Today was warmer and Ralphie's comb was looking normal. I still am not sure if the black was the begining of frost bite, I can't get a definite answer.

This is my first winter with chickens too. I'm learning as I go. I hope my chickens don't suffer in the learning process.

 

[snowydiamonds]

Yes, black with or without bleeding is frostbite. (My aunt and also my uncle raised their families in Englewood and Arvada, I lived in Leadville and Twin Lakes for a bit while waiting for my now xDH to get out of the Navy 30 yrs ago.)