Frost bite

[LCchickens71]

I’ve seen several recommendations in what to do for frost bite. Coconut oil, Vaseline, ointment. I need to do something. My coop is fairly warm with shavings, and sealed pretty well, with some ventilation. Any ideas would be much appreciated!

 

[AshVau22]

What's the current temperature where you live? Are you trying to prevent or treat frost bite? keep in mind that if temperatures are below freezing, Vaseline or jellies will also freeze.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I don’t put anything on combs. If you already have frostbite, DEFINITELY don’t put anything on it. Damage is done at that point and touching it will be painful for them.

Good ventilation, low humidity, and a dry coop are your best weapons against frostbite. A Sweeter Heater can help take the edge off birds with larger combs.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Once you see evidence of frostbite, leave it alone, there is nothing you can do and handling combs and wattles will only increase the injury. Be sure your rooster can eat without having to stick his head in a port too small for his comb and wattles.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

You might need to increase your ventilation. Try to have one square foot per bird but make sure it is above their heads when they are at roost and wind cannot ruffle their feathers.

 

[rural mouse]

If you're looking at treating frostbite, the best thing is HANDS OFF. It's painful. You can dose any affected birds with pain medications, but DO NOT TOUCH the afflicted areas. Let it heal on its own. ANYTHING you do to the actual frostbitten area WILL hurt the bird and can hinder the healing process.

Instead, work on lowering the humidity in the coop/run. Humidity combined with cold temps is bad. Wind is also bad (windburn can also occur).

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I’ve seen several recommendations in what to do for frost bite. Coconut oil, Vaseline, ointment. I need to do something. My coop is fairly warm with shavings, and sealed pretty well, with some ventilation. Any ideas would be much appreciated!

Can you clarify your question?

Are you seeing evidence of Frostbite on your birds or are you wanting to "prevent" Frostbite?

Ventilation is very important, even in cold weather. Provide areas where the birds can be out of the wind.

However, even with good ventilation, wind blocks, etc., sometimes birds, especially those with large combs and wattles can still have Frostbite just due to exposure.

You don't want to apply any oils or ointment to the combs/wattles during cold weather, this will lock in moisture and could potentially cause the exposed tissue to freeze, thus becoming frostbitten.

If you have birds that have Frostbite already, then don't touch affected areas. If it's combs/wattles, then eventually damaged tissue will die and fall off (self-dub).

If you have photos of your birds and housing you wish to share, they are always welcome.

 

[LCchickens71]

Thank you everyone. They already have frost bite. I will NOT touch them. Their coop is pretty well ventilated, dry. I did not put heat in there. I don’t feel any drafts but their run is open no roof so they are in the wind. We had cold days in the single digits and low teens. I kept them inside the coop. I do have an enclosure we are going to put up so they will have better coverage. Here are photos of the side. With the cold temps and snow I have put 4 bales of shavings down so it’s not to bad in there. Up at the top of the roof the eves are open but when it was blowing snow so bad and windy I stuffed old feed bags in the holes but some air can get through. I also covered the air vents with bags. The building has been caulked and it has a shingled roof. Heck even has a disco ball hanging in there!