Frostbite on chickens

[robinwhiskers]

Despite our best efforts to keep our chickens warm this snowy weekend, they still have black on their combs and on the top of their heads. Does frostbite stay with them forever or will their normal color come back again? Is there anything I should do? All the chickens are acting fine and would rather be in the run than locked inside.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I use Vaseline on my chickens’ combs and wattles to prevent/remedy frostbite. Others on here use balm oil I believe.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Sorry for your trouble.

Sometimes the tips will fall off and they will be fine there after.

You say tried to keep them warm... how did you do this?

How is the ventilation in your coop? It is said that good ventilation is the best thing you can do to keep moisture from building up which when it settles and freezes on the combs is what causes the issue. So in other words, dry freezing air is way less damaging the moist freezing air.

Many people claim vaseline on the combs and waddles prevents frost bite.

Sorry I didn't answer your questions. Just sharing what info I do have.

 

[sylviethecochin]

It'll be fine. The black bits eventually fall off and heal. You should probably check out whether your ventilation is sufficient, rather than your heat. What were your temps?

 

[robinwhiskers]

We had in the 20's at night and 30's during the day. I put vaseline on their combs and waddles (although now I see there's controversy on whether or not that works) and I let them have exposure to sunshine while also locking them in on the coldest parts of the day and at night in a ventilated but warmer indoor part of the coop. It isn't heated.

 

[chickens really]

Are the roosts well below the vents?...Moisture rises..Is water in the Coop?..Is poop in the Coop?...All things cause moisture...

 

[sylviethecochin]

20s should not be frostbite weather unless it's negative. I would check my moisture content.

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you post some pictures? If it is actual frostbite, and not an injury, it lasts until the affected part of the comb becomes rounded off in several weeks. Sometimes it takes several days to realize how much damage has occurred. Occasionally, I have been surprised to find what at first I thought that was frostbite had not looked as bad in a few days. Keeping moisture down with good overhead ventilation is the best way to prevent frostbite.