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Frost Bite on tips of comb

Discussion in 'Emergencies / Diseases / Injuries and Cures' started by Engine823, Jan 16, 2018.

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  1. Jan 16, 2018 #1
    Engine823

    Engine823 Songster

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    Okay we have had multiple days were temps have ran around 0 degrees. I have put vasoline on my hens combs but I have one who has some tips on her comb black and swollen. I continue to put vasoline on it. I clean their coop daily and remove manure. It is well ventilated at the top on the front and back. Even still I have some frost bite issues. The one that is the worst obviously has a fairly large comb.
    It is supposed to drop below 0 tonight and I was going to add a heat lamp to help. ( I know they say this isn't needed and normally I wouldn't but I feel this is extreme and don't want the frost bite to worsen ). As soon as I plugged the heat lamp in the bulb blew. It was an old light and had not been used in years. I have no other bulb.
    Now what? Would a regular bulb surfice and would the bright lite bother them if I were to use a 100 watt bulb?
    Its supposed to start warming up some after tomorrow. What do you all think??
    These are my pets not farm animals
     
  2. Jan 16, 2018 #2
    Welshies

    Welshies Crowing

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    NOOO. Do NOT heat your birds.
    My birds are fine down to -50F. I have had MINIMAL frostbite.
    Let's try to adress the issue and prevent it from happening again.
    For now, the frostbite is not a concern at all.
     
  3. Jan 16, 2018 #3
    Chicken Whisper101

    Chicken Whisper101 Songster

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    The rooster needs to be inside for a while. Recovery of the frostbitten tissue can take 4-7 weeks. You can put some green goo ointment on it.
     
    The Angry Hen likes this.
  4. Jan 16, 2018 #4
    Welshies

    Welshies Crowing

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    Any black parts will not heal. That is dead flesh that will self-dub.
    Don't bring your roo in. He'll be fine. Only worry if it gets infected.
     
    TreeTree411 likes this.
  5. Jan 16, 2018 #5
    Eggcessive

    Eggcessive Free Ranging Premium Member 7 Years

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    Frostbite can be a fact of life when temps are zero, and we all may see it in large combs, even with good overhead ventilation. I use a heatlamp up high in my coop when it gets below 10 F. I would not use a lamp if you have a small or low coop. Lamps should be at least 2 feet over their heads. A 100 watt bulb will work, but they sleep better with a red lamp. Many do not use heat unless it gets below -20F, but that is a personal choice. I usually do nothing for comb frostbite. Make sure that your roosts are wide enough for them to sit on them to keep them warm. A 2x4 roost with the wide side up is good.
     
    Wyorp Rock likes this.
  6. Jan 16, 2018 #6
    HenOnAJuneBug

    HenOnAJuneBug Crowing

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    A 100 watt bulb is not going to bother them for one night.
     
    The Angry Hen likes this.
  7. Jan 16, 2018 #7
    Welshies

    Welshies Crowing

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    I don't use heat unless it get's below -40F and I have a 6x8 coop with 5 adults.
    They do fine.
    It's all about your flock and what they can withstand. Experience and trial and error are the best teachers.
     
  8. Jan 16, 2018 #8
    lazy gardener

    lazy gardener Crossing the Road 5 Years

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    I advise against bringing the bird inside. Comb points get frost bite. They will either heal, or they will self dub. Either way, bringing a bird in and out of the cold is worse IMO than leaving him in the coop. Address the coop issues: Make sure there is adequate ventilation. Make sure it's not moist. Make sure there is at least 4 s.f. of floor space/bird and make sure there is a good amount of floor to ceiling height with at least 18" between perch and ceiling, and perch should be at least 12" away from back wall, with even more space in the front.
     
    sylviethecochin and kwhites634 like this.
  9. Jan 16, 2018 #9
    NoNameHomestead

    NoNameHomestead Chirping

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    I have a 8x8 coop with 6 chickens. 3 are RIR one of which is a roo. I used a heat lamp a few weeks ago when it got down to 10F. The tip of the roo’s comb still got frostbite. In some cases I think it’s inevitable especially with those that have big combs.
     
    The Angry Hen and lazy gardener like this.
  10. Jan 16, 2018 #10
    Welshies

    Welshies Crowing

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    Agreed.
     
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