Frost bite?

[Cmp211]

I’m assuming this is frost bite?
It’s been below freezing here,this is the first I’ve seen his waddles look like that. Sorry I know they aren’t great pictures. But you can see one side it a tiny bit bloody.
Can I do anything for him? Their run is open and kind of out of the wind. But they can 100% be out of the wind in the coop, and they do. The heated water and food is in the coop for the winter.

 

[Cmp211]

Also looking at these pictures more, the feathers around his waddles look damp. But he’s messy and always gets water all over when he drinks. Ill
Investigate more when I go back out

 

[Cmp211]

Omggg I pretty sure his waddles got stuck to the ice build up on the cement block I have the water raised up on! I flipped the block so it’s not able to collect fallen water.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

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Omggg I pretty sure his waddles got stuck to the ice build up on the cement block I have the water raised up on! I flipped the block so it’s not able to collect fallen water.

Set the waterer at the edge of the block it's on so his wattles can't stick to the ice. Know what I mean? Make it so it drips on the floor, not on the block.

And no, just leave the wattles alone, there is nothing you can do for frostbite.

Does the waterer HAVE to be in the coop? It's raising the humidity in the coop - not by much because the water is enclosed, I guess. But how's the ventilation in there? Dampness and condensation are prime culprits and causes of frostbite. Do all you can to keep the coop dry.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Also looking at these pictures more, the feathers around his waddles look damp. But he’s messy and always gets water all over when he drinks. Ill
Investigate more when I go back out

I pretty sure his waddles got stuck to the ice build up on the cement block I have the water raised up on! I flipped the block so it’s not able to collect fallen water.

Yes, it looks like Frostbite. I would leave the wattles alone.
This is pretty early in the year, so I'd continue to make adjustments to the water station to help insure he's not getting his wattles continually wet.

Large Combed and Wattled roosters do seem to be more prone to Frostbite. I've had a few with Frostbitten wattles just because they got them wet from drinking and the tissue was damage during freezing weather. I left mine alone and eventually the tissue dies and falls off on its own.

With yours bleeding, then I'd watch carefully for any indication of infection (lethargy, bad odor, pus, etc.). Also watch that the hens are not picking at the damaged tissue (blood is an attractant).

If he's messy drinking even in normal times, perhaps a different water station may be needed. I've never used nipple water stations so can't say how well they work. I always use an open rubber livestock bowl during winter, easy to clean and if frozen, easy to get the ice out. In summer I use a large poultry drinker for one flock (larger capacity needed) and continue with the livestock bowl year round for the other flock.

Here's a bit more info about frostbite along with photos.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-sw-michigan.74597/

 

[Debbie292d]

We use those nipples. Our silkies have beards but not much for wattles, yet they get can get wet too. It helps to put that bucket up on about four pavers so it's level to their heads as they stand in front of it. They shouldn't have to bend over (much) to get water. Then if there are drips, they fall down on the ground. If any are leaking, I'd replace them. They are pretty inexpensive. We only change maybe one a year out of about 20 nipples on various buckets.

We've never dealt with frostbite but from living where we do, I've read a lot about it and concur with those saying not to do anything.