Frost Bitten Combs. Need Help

[trentoldenburg]

I have a flock in Mid Michigan and as the temperatures have dropped, I noticed the tops of my roosters comb getting purple. I don't know how to help them. I have tarp up on the side of my run to block the wind and they have access to their coop all day. I also have a coop heater coming in the mail. I have heard to cut vents in my coop, but I don't understand how that is logical given that it'll release heat. If anyone could tell me how to deal with this, I'd appreciate it.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I use Vaseline to prevent frost bite on my chickens’ combs and wattles. Ventilation is very important in keeping moisture away from your birds. @chickens really can you explain how good ventilation prevents frost bite? I’m not well versed in it.

 

[chickens really]

Hello....Vents are extremely important being moisture rises and Chickens breath and poop is moisture too. If water is in the coop that causes moisture.
Vent as high as possible to allow moisture to rise and Roosts well below the vents. coop needs to be clean and dry.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Hello....Vents are extremely important being moisture rises and Chickens breath and poop is moisture too. If water is in the coop that causes moisture.
Vent as high as possible to allow moisture to rise and Roosts well below the vents. coop needs to be clean and dry.

Thank you. I wouldn’t have been able to explain it so well.

 

[chickens really]

Thank you. I wouldn’t have been able to explain it so well.

Your welcome..

 

[trentoldenburg]

Guess I'm breaking out the sawzall today then! Thank you. Any recommendations on how big I should cut the vents? @chickens really

 

[BantyChooks]

Guess I'm breaking out the sawzall today then! Thank you. Any recommendations on how big I should cut the vents? @chickens really

1 square foot of ventilation for each bird is generally recommended.

 

[chickens really]

Jeepers...Depends on the size of your Coop?..Just cut out vents and cover with wire so critters can't climb in..Mine are up under the eaves...I block off the west and north ones in winter..

 

[Wyorp Rock]

You have received some good advice from the others. I understand ventilation sounds counter-productive especially in winter, but as the others mentioned, it's very important. Chickens don't always need heat (unless you live where @chickens really lives) but, they do need protection from wind and drafts. Moisture from their breath and droppings needs to be able to move up and away (out of the coop). This is a good article that you may find helpful:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/c...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

 

[chickens really]

You have received some good advice from the others. I understand ventilation sounds counter-productive especially in winter, but as the others mentioned, it's very important. Chickens don't always need heat (unless you live where @chickens really lives) but, they do need protection from wind and drafts. Moisture from their breath and droppings needs to be able to move up and away (out of the coop). This is a good article that you may find helpful:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/c...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

Thanks !.....