Frost bitten comb

[RyleeandMax]

Hello! I have a Salmon Faverolle rooster with a beautiful big comb. But when I went out to feed last night, I noticed that it didn’t look quite right. About 1/2 of it is this blackish purple color and is very cold to the touch. He seems to be acting fine, (eating, drinking, running about for scratch). My question is what do I do to help him. And another question is if I just leave it alone will he lose his comb or will it get infected and cause further problems. Thanks!

 

[azygous]

Do not touch the injuries. However, he needs to be protected against further freezing temps which will really make it much worse. Rubbing the frostbitten tissue can cause additional injury. Spray with Vetericyn if you have that. It will protect from infection and promote new tissue growth.

I had this happen recently with both my roosters when they were forced to spend the night without cover at 13 F. They had run off two dogs attacking the hens and it took them until the next morning to return.

The older one had previously had frostbite, so his comb was much worse than his son's. Both boys suffered swelling, blistering, and necrosis of the tips of the combs. These tips blackened, dried up, and eventually fell off. But neither comb became infected.

I did give both boys aspirin during the first week following the injury to reduce their pain, which can be very acute with frostbite. One whole 81 grain chewable aspirin twice a day.

 

[RyleeandMax]

Do not touch the injuries. However, he needs to be protected against further freezing temps which will really make it much worse. Rubbing the frostbitten tissue can cause additional injury. Spray with Vetericyn if you have that. It will protect from infection and promote new tissue growth.

I had this happen recently with both my roosters when they were forced to spend the night without cover at 13 F. They had run off two dogs attacking the hens and it took them until the next morning to return.

The older one had previously had frostbite, so his comb was much worse than his son's. Both boys suffered swelling, blistering, and necrosis of the tips of the combs. These tips blackened, dried up, and eventually fell off. But neither comb became infected.

I did give both boys aspirin during the first week following the injury to reduce their pain, which can be very acute with frostbite. One whole 81 grain chewable aspirin twice a day.

Thank you for your tips! I read some things that said to soak the area with a warm cloth, is something I shouldn’t do?!

 

[micstrachan]

Can you post a photo? Are you certain it’s frostbite and not a circulation issue?

 

[RyleeandMax]

Can you post a photo? Are you certain it’s frostbite and not a circulation issue?

I’m not home right now, but I will as soon as I get back!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you for your tips! I read some things that said to soak the area with a warm cloth, is something I shouldn’t do?!

No. I would not soak a frostbitten comb with a warm cloth - do ask suggested by @azygous in Post#2
Photos are always welcome.

Do not touch the injuries. However, he needs to be protected against further freezing temps which will really make it much worse. Rubbing the frostbitten tissue can cause additional injury. Spray with Vetericyn if you have that. It will protect from infection and promote new tissue growth.

I had this happen recently with both my roosters when they were forced to spend the night without cover at 13 F. They had run off two dogs attacking the hens and it took them until the next morning to return.

The older one had previously had frostbite, so his comb was much worse than his son's. Both boys suffered swelling, blistering, and necrosis of the tips of the combs. These tips blackened, dried up, and eventually fell off. But neither comb became infected.

I did give both boys aspirin during the first week following the injury to reduce their pain, which can be very acute with frostbite. One whole 81 grain chewable aspirin twice a day.

 

[azygous]

Frost bite will be fairly obvious as opposed to discoloration of a comb due to transient stress or other health issues such as poor circulation.

Frost bite damages the tissue so that it either stops supporting the circulation of blood or greatly reduces it, causing the tissue to appear white and later black as the tissue dies from blood starvation. Often the comb will also be swollen and the next day, blisters are likely to form.

But it will be easier to verify frostbite is we can see a photo.

 

[RyleeandMax]

 

[RyleeandMax]

View attachment 2033097View attachment 2033097View attachment 2033098View attachment 2033101

it looks a lot better today vs what it did last night

 

[Eggcessive]

That looks pretty good actually. I probably would not do anything to the comb. I think it has a good chance of healing, but there is always a chance that some of the points may become rounded off, especially the one black on. Here is a good article on prevention and treatment of frostbite:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/frostbit-in-backyard-chickens-causes/