Frostbite thoughts

[Mrs. K]

We tend to think "warm and cold" when for our birds we should think "dry or wet"

I agree the original poster needs to increase the height of her coop next year. And that the doll size coops are cute, but worthless.

This year though, right now, what you might be able to do is lower your roosts. I had quite a time with frostbite one year, and then pulled the top roost out. This lowers the birds heads away from the ceiling. They really need quite an airspace of 15 inches above their heads, not 15 inches above the roost.

When they are too close to the roof, the moisture collects there and back on themselves just from them breathing and condensing on the cold surface.

Ventilation is utmost important, and space away from the walls and ceilings will really help.

Watch your chickens, if they are active, eating, and moving around, they are doing fine, I too have had birds with mild frostbite, but did not bother them too much. You are more than likely fretting for nothing.

Mrs K

 

[FarmerJ8909]

I know some people already recommended it, but definitely give Musher's Secret a try. My Farm vet recommended it to us last winter after our roo lost the tips on his comb
It's used in the pads of sled dogs to protect their feet.
Amazon has it!

 

[chonsey]

I use Beeswax Bandage, The Honey Guy Product - it's flexible & waterproof & stingless. All natural ingredients. It is the only thing that worked for me, so I'm using it on a roo he may be a Sussex? It will also help the pain & swelling & prevent infection.

 

[RodNTN]

We tend to think "warm and cold" when for our birds we should think "dry or wet"

I agree the original poster needs to increase the height of her coop next year. And that the doll size coops are cute, but worthless.

This year though, right now, what you might be able to do is lower your roosts. I had quite a time with frostbite one year, and then pulled the top roost out. This lowers the birds heads away from the ceiling. They really need quite an airspace of 15 inches above their heads, not 15 inches above the roost.

When they are too close to the roof, the moisture collects there and back on themselves just from them breathing and condensing on the cold surface.

Ventilation is utmost important, and space away from the walls and ceilings will really help.

Watch your chickens, if they are active, eating, and moving around, they are doing fine, I too have had birds with mild frostbite, but did not bother them too much. You are more than likely fretting for nothing.

Mrs K

 

[chonsey]

Yep, when I put the 250w bulb in - I started to get a little frost on the door and windows. I put straw in to help absorb the moisture. We may have to fix the ventilation a bit. Three more hours and we will be warming up to the 20's by morning.

 

[aart]

Here's another thought on frostbite...
...have seen it happen most often when the temps hover close to 32F,
that warmer air can hold more moisture.

 

[RNPAULIE69]

Like you, I’m worried about frostbite and know it can happen no matter what, but I’m also trying to do what I can to prevent it. I’ve been using Musher’s Secret on combs and wattles and so far, so good, even on my cockerel’s huge comb. It’s a product that was originally used on the paw pads of sled dogs. It’s a waxy substance and seems to be doing the trick. I’ve been applying it every night and highly recommend it! I got it on Amazon. Good luck!!

We have mushers secret! At this point where tissue is white and one of the points on my Sussex is dark and shriveled looking I am hesitant to touch the combs

 

[RNPAULIE69]

We tend to think "warm and cold" when for our birds we should think "dry or wet"

I agree the original poster needs to increase the height of her coop next year. And that the doll size coops are cute, but worthless.

This year though, right now, what you might be able to do is lower your roosts. I had quite a time with frostbite one year, and then pulled the top roost out. This lowers the birds heads away from the ceiling. They really need quite an airspace of 15 inches above their heads, not 15 inches above the roost.

When they are too close to the roof, the moisture collects there and back on themselves just from them breathing and condensing on the cold surface.

Ventilation is utmost important, and space away from the walls and ceilings will really help.

Watch your chickens, if they are active, eating, and moving around, they are doing fine, I too have had birds with mild frostbite, but did not bother them too much. You are more than likely fretting for nothing.

Mrs K

I dont see any frost or moisture inside in the morning at all. There is probably just 15 inches from their heads to the a frame peak when settled on the roost. My big worry now is that they seem cranky;( eating and drinking and as active as I expect with this cold but my BO is pecking at my Sussex. I thought she was starting a moult there were so many feathers yesterday and today but witnessed her getting pecked this afternoon. They will not come out of the pen, don't blame them with the wind but am concerned about the pecking. These three get along pretty well otherwise. ;(

 

[RNPAULIE69]

We did a experiment last year. Had 3 huge bowls of ice water. 1 pair of latex gloves and a pair of normal winter gloves. The kids were amazed and had a blast.
In the end the glove covered in a thin layer of petroleum jelly kept the hands warmer than both the plain latex glove and the winter glove. It was a great experiment.

The petroleum masks how much cold you feel and can contribute to frostbite because you stay exposed longer since you don't feel it. At least that is what the article I read said

 

[RNPAULIE69]

I agree!

Same here.

Ditto Dat^^^


There's not much you can do.
IMO it's best not to even touch it......it's compromised tissue and touching it could very easily make it worse.

Had several birds with frostbit combs and wattles last winter, most were the mild graying of the tissue, some had black necrosis that eventually soughed off. I think the wattles get bit because they drag them thru the snow.

I just keep a watch for swelling that lasts more than a few days or obvious infection.

@RNPAULIE69 Where are you located?
Easy to put it in your profile and immensely helpful.
View attachment 1228321

I am in southern NH;(