frozen feet

[CNY Melissa]

I am a new chicken owner. I have 4 Rhode Islands, 4 Barred Rocks and 4 white leghorns. Today it was i the 20's in Central New York with a windchill of 10. When I got home from work I saw one of my Rhodes wedged bewteen the coop and the barn. I am not sure how long she was there for but I checked her legs and don't think either are broken but she won't walk. So I touched her feet and they were frozen but no swelling no discoloration. I have her in our heated garage now in a box with lots of straw and blankets. anyone have any other suggestions? I know with frostbite you either want to let your own body heat bring it back to temp or cool water...

 

[trilyn]

Oh boy, I feel your pain! I had a buff laced Polish spend the night outside Wednesday night, not as cold as Thursday or even today but still, nervewracking! I think you're doing the right thing by keeping her in the garage and letting her body temp reach normal on its own. Just keep a watch on her is about the best advice I have for you. Hopefully someone else will jump on here soon!

from East Syracuse!!

 

[wildorchid053]

hi i am from baldwinsville.. has she tried to walk yet? i think your doing the best thing for her

 

[mypicklebird]

How is she doing? If both her feet actually froze- after thawing out they will likely swell & discolor. The tissue will die, and you will need to dispatch her- they need feet. If she just has frostbite to the tips of her toes, she may do ok, but may lose nails or toe tips- best bet is to have a vet amputate the dead tissue and close the healthy tissue if it is just the ends. Once her whole body is warm- if her feet are warm or hot- this is good- as that means there is blood supply. If her feet are cold and the toes do not move in response to you touching them- this is not so good.

 

[demp4]

I hope she is all right! My chickens only come off the ramp to eat quick then go back in their coop... They aren't liking this wind too well.

I have one of my white leghorns in the basement right now because I am chicken sitting for a friend and they pecked my chickenpretty bad and she was bleeding didn't want to leave her in the cold last night.

I am in Bridgeport Central NY as well.. Nice to see others on here close to me.