Tarzan is the only bantam in a flock of around 20 hens and ducks.
The flock isn’t mine - they belong to a neighbour - but I visit and sit with them a few times a week. They are well cared for.
I first noticed Tarzan’s frostbite about a month ago - there was black and grey damage to his comb. Feet and wattles seem fine. I didn’t know how old it was so have just been monitoring it.
Today it looks worse. See pics - the uppermost bit looks raw and wet, like it’s lost the protective skin over it.
It looks painful and open to infection. I’ve never dealt with frostbite before, so would really appreciate your guidance.
Does this need topical creams? A vet visit?
I have all the usual avian first aid supplies and things like baytril and metacam on hand too, if needed.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!
Other info in case it’s helpful:
• Based in northern England so weather is cold and damp, temperatures dropping below freezing sometimes at night and occasionally during the day with snow.
• Housed in a good shed with all the other birds, dry and cozy but unheated.
• No damage on any other birds but they are all much bigger.
• No changes in his behaviour at all, although he did appear to be shivering in his legs a little today (6c, rainy, cold wind). He’s stubborn though and refuses to seek shelter if his flock are out and about!