Frostbite

[Disheygirl]

I have a draft-free coop with ventilation above their heads. Even put some of those chicken coop heat plates by their roosting bars on the wall when it was in the negatives. My two Austra Whites didn’t fare so well - this one is the worse of the two, and maybe because she kind of a loner / doesn’t snuggle for heat. All other girls are fine, but the combs and wattles on this breed….

I didn‘t want to bring her inside, but she was just looked miserable last night…she’s also going through a light molt on her neck. It’s supposed to be in the 50s this coming week and figured I could re-acclimate her in the sun on one of those days. Our garage is just as cold as the coop so it wasn’t helpful.

I had put Vaseline on her comb after the first night. Then read not to. I hate the internet sometimes - people swear by different things and I just want to do right by her. I hope I didn’t make it worse, but I guess we learn the hard way sometimes.

I have some leftover meloxicam from a rabbit and started her on .3 of that - put it in Greek yogurt and she ate it right up. From reading a bunch online, there isn’t much else I can do - just watch it to make sure it doesn’t get infected? She also shakes her head a lot. When my dog was neutered, he had to be still so he didn’t get blood in the empty sacs (sorry - wasn’t sure how else to say that). I’m wondering if the same principle applies here with her wattles - they’re swollen and heavy. Not sure how to get a chicken to not shake her head though….

 

[KyCoop]

I'll be watching for advice also. I have two leghorns that had rough go of it.

 

[aart]

there isn’t much else I can do

No there isn't.
It looks so horrible that one wants to do something...but really nthing will help but time.

Here's progression pics of the severe frostbite I've had in my flock,
it all worked out fine, maybe that will ease your mind:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-sw-michigan.74597/

 

[KyCoop]

Thanks aart.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would not handle or massage the wattles or comb at all due to the pain. It will take time for the swelling to go down. I would try to keep her eating and drinking, and keep her in an area above freezing. The comb and wattles will probably become rounded and shortened, but she should heal eventually. It is difficult to totally prevent frostbite in combs in freezing weather, and when wattles get wet, it just happens.

 

[AnnPann]

not to hijack the post, but watching bc i have one with what looks like frost bite on her wattle and another has a bit on her comb. anything we should look out for that would require extra treatment outside of what you describe?

 

[Eggcessive]

not to hijack the post, but watching bc i have one with what looks like frost bite on her wattle and another has a bit on her comb. anything we should look out for that would require extra treatment outside of what you describe?

You are not supposed to rub or massage tissue that has suffered frostbite, or there could be more damage. In freezing weather creams, ointments, or sprays can add to frostbite, since those things also will freeze. So, probably no treatment is better. If combs or wattles are severely frostbitten and weeping or extremely swollen, then it would help to bring the chicken inside to a warmer, above freezing environment. It can take a week or two to see the extent of damage.

 

[Disheygirl]

No there isn't.
It looks so horrible that one wants to do something...but really nthing will help but time.

Here's progression pics of the severe frostbite I've had in my flock,
it all worked out fine, maybe that will ease your mind:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-sw-michigan.74597/

Thank you! Your rooster looks like one of those dinosaurs with the flat Mohawk (in the after picture)! It’s comforting to know that he healed so well. Chickens are amazing healers….