Frostbite

[marymiranda4]

I have 13 chickens that were left on their own for 2 years. They are now kept on my property in a very large enclosure with a large coop.

I'm concerned about the roosters getting frostbite over the next 2 days. I bought mushers secret which was recommended. How exactly do I apply this? I can get them into the coop one by one and keep it dark but how exactly do I apply the mushers? What do I use to put it on the combs/wattles? Its waxy, kind of on the hard side - not real pliable.

 

[Izzychicky]

To prevent frostbite you could put just plain Vaseline on the combs to keep out moisture.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

As long as they are out of the frigid wind, they should be okay. The coop should be dry and ventilated. Best of luck and stay warm!

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. I have never used it, but it is supposed to be a wax to use on animals to help prevent frostbite. It says to use it before temperatures are below freezing, a thin coat 2-3 times per week. Here is the interuction label:
https://musherssecret.net/

If you have any frostbite, do not handle or massage the combs, wattles or feet since they would be very painful and the tissue may be further damaged. Here is a good article about frostbite, and she uses the Musshers product:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/frostbit-in-backyard-chickens-causes/

 

[Melky]

Another article for you on frostbite. Just use Vaseline:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-chickens.74710/
Check out other prevention items.
Welcome!

 

[marymiranda4]

As long as they are out of the frigid wind, they should be okay. The coop should be dry and ventilated. Best of luck and stay warm!

Thanks. I do have tarps to block the wind, but the chickens won't always stay in those areas. The coop is a good size but they won't go in during the day but if I try to keep them in, the ones on the bottom of the pecking order get picked on. Today & tomorrow's temp will be single digits. I'm worried.

 

[marymiranda4]

Welcome to BYC. I have never used it, but it is supposed to be a wax to use on animals to help prevent frostbite. It says to use it before temperatures are below freezing, a thin coat 2-3 times per week. Here is the interuction label:
https://musherssecret.net/

If you have any frostbite, do not handle or massage the combs, wattles or feet since they would be very painful and the tissue may be further damaged. Here is a good article about frostbite, and she uses the Musshers product:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/frostbit-in-backyard-chickens-causes/

Thanks. I do have that info, but the product is solid, not soft & spreadable like vaseline so I don't understand how to get from the container to the body part.