Frostbite on Roosters wattle

[molliemcgee]

My roo suffered frostbite on his wattle. It is starting to swell now and, while he is still eating and strutting, he shakes his head frequently and when he walks he walks like his balance is off a bit. What can be done for the wattle and to relieve him a bit?

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I sympathize because each of my roosters has had at least some frost bite this winter. Your rooster's comb doesn't look bad, so I am guessing that his wattles got wet when he was drinking and that made frostbite more likely. The fact that his comb isn't bad also makes me think that you are not as far north as Michigan where I am or perhaps your coop is warmer than my coop. I actually brought one of my roosters inside because his wattles were so swollen that the swelling seemed to be spreading to his face and the cold weather was not really letting up. You may not need bring your rooster in if it has warmed up to the 20's or so.

I have read that you need to be careful not to handle the frost bitten tissue too much or it could cause further damage. Aloe Vera is supposed to help with frost bite, but I don't know if I would apply it if it is below freezing. I wonder if he is a bit off balance because some swelling has spread to his inner ear. Although, if he is older he could also seem off balance due to some arthritis in his legs aggravated by the cold weather. Either way, a bit of aspirin could help. I copied this dosage info from another thread:

Aspirin - for pain relief. Dosage is approximately 25 mg per pound of chicken's body weight each day (A standard baby Aspirin is 80 mg, and a standard adult Aspirin pill is 325 mg). This information is from thePoultry Podiatry website. Warning: aspirin thins the blood and should not be used if internal bleeding is suspected or in cases where a wound will not stop bleeding.

I have given aspirin by smooshing it in some really soft bread and feeding to my chicken as a treat.

 

[molliemcgee]

Thank you!! I'm in southern Ohio but it was in the negative digits for a week. My coop is well insulated but was still 5 to 10 during that time. Yes, his wattles get wet when he drinks...summertime I have a metal waterer but during this cold weather we are using a rubber tub on the ground. I will keep a good eye on him and see if the swelling continues. Will it just go down after awhile? I will try the asprin too, maybe that will give him some relief.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. I live near Proctorville, OH. One of my roosters got a little of the same in both the comb and wattles when it was -6, but so far his wattles have not swollen. Here are a couple of good links on frostbite:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2013/12/frostbit-in-backyard-chickens-causes.html
http://voices.yahoo.com/how-treat-chickens-suffering-frostbite-5294027.html?cat=53

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Thank you!! I'm in southern Ohio but it was in the negative digits for a week. My coop is well insulated but was still 5 to 10 during that time. Yes, his wattles get wet when he drinks...summertime I have a metal waterer but during this cold weather we are using a rubber tub on the ground. I will keep a good eye on him and see if the swelling continues. Will it just go down after awhile? I will try the asprin too, maybe that will give him some relief.

Thanks for the reply.

I think the swelling should go down on its own if he doesn't get more frost bite. I have read that even after frost bite has healed the tissue is prone to future frost bite, maybe because of reduced circulation. I brought one of my roosters inside because it was still so cold in Michigan, and it looked like the hens were pecking at his wattles. His swelling went down after a couple of days.

 

[tastybabies]

Use vaseline, it helps protect their combs, ears and wattles. I get a jar every year for my guys and girls. Be incredibly gentle with the already frostbitten tissue.

 

[molliemcgee]

Thanks for the answers. This is my first experience with frostbite and at first I didn't think it was so bad...then it started to swell. He sems a bit better today and a tiny bit less swelling. Will definitely put some vasoline on it to prevent future problems.

Really appreicate the response folks. Thanks again.

 

[Beekissed]

Instead of Vaseline, you might try some castor oil to soothe the tissues and also provide an antibacterial treatment. Castor oil has an analgesic effect and also an anti-inflammatory capabilities, while also good for the regrowth of healthy skin. It has remarkable effects on wound healing and pain relief. You can find it cheap at any pharmacy and even at Dollar General.

 

[Vbrown71]

My roo suffered frostbite on his wattle. It is starting to swell now and, while he is still eating and strutting, he shakes his head frequently and when he walks he walks like his balance is off a bit. What can be done for the wattle and to relieve him a bit?

Omg i am so with you on this My roo waffle looks the same Last night I did Bag Balm and when I open the coop this morning his waffle were frozen I brought him in the house and let them warm and reapplied I went in to check on the tonight Vasline in Hand and is waffles look awful and black like yours I feel like such a bad Mommy

 

[melandstacy29]

Welcome to BYC. I live near Proctorville, OH. One of my roosters got a little of the same in both the comb and wattles when it was -6, but so far his wattles have not swollen. Here are a couple of good links on frostbite:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2013/12/frostbit-in-backyard-chickens-causes.html
http://voices.yahoo.com/how-treat-chickens-suffering-frostbite-5294027.html?cat=53

Holy cow... I live in North Ga... I am from Proctorville. What a small world And I raise BYC now for almost 8 years. Thank you for the tip