Frostbite

[fluffybuttmamma]

My sisters polish rooster has some frostbite he's the only one, there 40 chickens and 2 coops and he is the only one experiencing problems any and all advice would be appreciated. I'm about 4000 miles away and told her to bring him in. He's almost a year old got him back in june.

 

[azygous]

Bringing him in is a good idea while it's still below freezing. He should be kept from conditions fostering further frostbite. He should not be kept in a very warm room, though, or he will lose his cold adaptation. Any temp above 50F should be avoided.

He has very large wattles. He likely dragged the wattles in the water he was drinking. In very cold weather, open water dishes or drinkers with a tray should be avoided. Nipple waterers are a safer solution, although they require a bit of effort to keep them from freezing up.

There really is no treatment for frostbite in chickens. Care needs to be taken not to rub or irritate the damaged tissue so no topical ointment is advised. Just take care he doesn't get the tissue frozen again.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

How are his feet - any frostbite on the feet?
The only place with frostbite are his wattles?
Moving him someplace warmer was the right thing to do. Birds with large wattles often experience frostbite by getting water on them when they drink.

It will take time to heal. Make sure he's eating and drinking well.
https://the-chicken-chick.com/frostbit-in-backyard-chickens-causes/

 

[fluffybuttmamma]

How are his feet - any frostbite on the feet?
The only place with frostbite are his wattles?
Moving him someplace warmer was the right thing to do. Birds with large wattles often experience frostbite by getting water on them when they drink.

It will take time to heal. Make sure he's eating and drinking well.
https://the-chicken-chick.com/frostbit-in-backyard-chickens-causes/

His feet are fine! I told her to maybe put the waterer higher so he's not dunking quite as much? She has heated bowls for them. But she has him inside for now to keep an eye on things. Thanks so much for the response! I was actually just on that web page waiting for any responses!

*edited* any care tips for this guys wattles or things we should be doing differently?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The problem is the wattles getting wet and freezing, so nipple or cup water stations as suggested may be a better solution. I've never tried those, I use open water bowls, so look those up and see if it's something you can try.