Frostbitten Comb- Vaseline Didn't Work

[12321]

My mom used to put vaseline on our cheeks and lips to prevent frostbite when we walked to school way back when they didn't give kids days off because it was too cold outside. Yes, it was -30 but it wasn't uphill both ways. I think it helped with the wind, like what somebody else said, sort of a second skin, but I'm not too sure about just plain cold temps. I don't recall mom testing the theory by only putting it on some kids and leaving the others bare.

This is my first winter with chickens and my roosters got frostbite last weekend while the wife and I were away. They didn fine the first cold snap when it went to -30 but this time, our 19 year old "forgot" to give them water for 2 days. I'm pretty sure that's why they got it this time. I'm hoping the black won't fall off. I haven't been that angry in a loooong time.

 

[perfect peepers]

My large combed roo got a lot on his comb but the temperature only went down to 17 degrees. I've never had a chicken with frostbite so I thought that he had stuck his head in the chain link to attack the other rooster but wonder now if his comb falling off at the bottom .the top of it is blackened and the bottom had a bit of blood on it but since he is not with others i thought that it would heal naturally. will he be okay? Should I post some pics?

 

[snowpetals907]

We've had really cold winds here this winter and most of my roos have had severe frostbite. If it gets past the points I just dub them. The roosters are a lot happier now and in a lot less pain. I have tried vaseline and have adequate ventilation, but I also refuse to keep my birds cooped up all winter as I think keeping them indoors for 3-4 months is just sad. :/ so dubbing or keeping pea combed or other small combed birds is my advice.

 

[12321]

I've just started looking into dubbing. Until a couple of days ago, I thought it was only done for fighting. Dubbing for frostbite seems pretty reasonable to me. My wife is against it and won't help if I decide to go that route - says the comb makes the rooster. I think I like the look, but haven't seen a Welsummer, Barred Rock or Jersey Giant dubbed.

Dubbing seems pretty hands on and personal. I hope they don't freak out too much. I don't enjoy chopping heads, but I don't loose any sleep over it either so I should be good to go. I've got one rooster that needs to be culled, so if I have time this weekend, I'll practice once he's done using his head.

 

[snowpetals907]

Even non-gamefowl look nice dubbed in my opinion. I don't have anyone to help me,either. It can be kind of terrifying at first but it's not so bad after the first few dubs. Mine acted like they were dying the first 10 minutes after dubbing but then they were back to normal. I think they were being drama-kings.

Keep some styptic powder on hand.

 

[Cknldy]

When my chicks grew into chickens my husband said he remembers old timers that used to slice off the combs, throw flour on the chicken's head to stop bleeding, then throw the combs in flour and fry em up for eating! So mean and nasty!!! Make a knowledgeable choice when picking breeds or do what needs to be done to protect them as best you can. Good luck op.

 

[Chickenfan4life]

When my chicks grew into chickens my husband said he remembers old timers that used to slice off the combs, throw flour on the chicken's head to stop bleeding, then throw the combs in flour and fry em up for eating! So mean and nasty!!! Make a knowledgeable choice when picking breeds or do what needs to be done to protect them as best you can. Good luck op.

 

[omegorchards]

A few questions: What is the square footage of your coop? How many birds are in your coop? Do they roost in close proximity to each other or are they all over the place? Do you have ventilation at only one end of the coop? Can wind enter the coop?

 

[Mother-Hen]

Hi there - I have 11 Leghorns .... unfortunately 5 of them have frost-bitten combs! We do have temperatures here though of minus 25C and lots of snow. The coop is dry and sheltered with an extension for day time dirt-bathing but the girls like to go to the top of the coop near the roof and it's pretty cold up there. I don't use a heat lamp either ... but I am counting down the days until spring comes again.
I smothered the girls in vaseline which the others seemed to quite enjoy - I can't say the frost-bite has gotten any worse so maybe I did catch it in time, who knows!
Roll on Summer ...

 

[Mykee]

My Buff Orp roo lives all alone in a very drafty, uninsulated coop. Got to fix that soon. My dad doesn't believe in insulating, though. I put Bag Balm on my roo's comb; it seems to help prevent and repair the frostbite. Daisy sounds awefully spoiled!