I'm posting this as a heads up on using vaseline (just an FYI - whatever works, works). A long ago thread on the old board got a bit heated about the utility of various `rubs' to prevent frostbite. We had been using udder ointment and the roo was still developing whitish tips on the comb.
Someone in the thread observed that high humidity level in the coop in freezing/subfreezing weather was the main culprit. I installed an indoor/outdoor recording weather gauge in the coop. The results led to my getting serious with creating adequate venting of the coop. We have had no further problems with frostbite (just finished up a run of 0° b.s.). Think the tarp windbreaks on west side fencing also help.
Anyway, I'll put up this link again, but will post quote from the conclusions so you won't have to rummage through the entire study:
The finns put up with a lot more of this weather than most of us do.
http://herkules.oulu.fi/isbn9514259882/isbn9514259882.pdf
"It is probable that one of the main reasons for the increased risk of frostbite, associated
with the use of protective emollients in the cold, was not their actual, quite small
lowering effect on the skin temperature, but indirectly their effect on facial thermal
sensation. White petrolatum gave a skin perception of warmth, leading to a false
sensation of safety in the cold, without having the presumed protective effect. This skin
perception, observed both in the questionnaire study (I) and in the experimental cold
chamber study (IV), forms probably the ground for the traditional habit of using thick
greasy ointments and may lead to a neglect of efficient preventive and protective
measures. It is also likely that people with cold-sensitive skin use emollients more often
than people who have cold-resistant skin.
It is possible that the increase of water content of skin under occlusive ointments may
promote freezing.
The increased risk of local cold injury indicates that the traditional use of protective
emollients can not be recommended. This data wakes up also questions of the possible
dangers connected with the application of cosmetic moisturizers on the face when going
out and exposing the bare facial skin to an actual risk for frostbite."
When our roo did start to develop this - he got to several nights inside the house in the folding dog cage (prevent refreezing of affected area).
Anyway, just some info to add to your files.
