Frostbite Dilemma

[Natrgrl326]

We are in the midst of the Polar Vortex sweeping across the Northeast. My girls have experienced many temps below freezing and even single digits, with no issues. However, this morning 2 of them have a pinch of frostbite on the tips of their comb. I don't have the ability to bring them in & don't want to thaw out their combs b/c we're supposed to have several more days of highs in the teens/lows in single digits. But could I at least put Vaseline on their combs to prevent more damage or is that a no-no? would it make things worse? is it a futile attempt to help them b/c they already have some frostbite? Or would it aid in preventing more frostbite?

 

[DobieLover]

You should just leave it be. You don't want to open the damaged tissue. Just watch for signs of infection.
The tops of the comb may eventually fall off. Time will tell.
I have a few with frostbite and they are doing fine.

 

[N F C]

I agree with @DobieLover.

If you're interested, here's a link to a very good article about Frostbite:
frostbite-in-chickens.74710

 

[Wezdin]

Yes, I was wondering about this for my rooster earlier in the year, and after reading I didn't do anything to it and he is doing fine.

 

[Cyprus]

Don't do anything.
As I type, I have a Leghorn hen inside with probably the most severe case of frostbite ever seen. I'm not going to treat it.

 

[Eggcessive]

Once frostbite has occurred, do not touch or massage the skin. The frostbitten tips may or may not become rounded off, depending on how much freezing occurred. Some use waxes or ointments before it occurs to prevent it. I have never done that. The combs will heal fine without treatment.