Getting a hold of Spike!

[Duckfarmer1]

Ok, so I just read the excellent article about prevention of frostbite for my chickens. Spike, my feisty rooster, might have the beginning stages of some frostbite, from what I read in the article. Stage 1, where the very tip of the comb is white...which is why I read the article. So, he is a handful and quite scarey. He has calmed down, but I still carry a stick when I go into the coop, just in case. I know that the best time to handle a chicken is at night, while roosting. But, the article says that I should bring him inside and put Vaseline on his comb for protection. I’m actually going to do this to all my girls. But, this means, Spike will be caged up and angry for some time. I will need to give him food and water, etc. When we got him he was an adult rooster and it was NOT fun having him caged. Any suggestions on how to keep him somewhat nice to me while I give him care in a cage he will hate? The first one is Spike attacking my husband!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

where the very tip of the comb is white...which is why I read the article.

Is it just dry skin, since he doesn't even have tips?

Best way for me to treat birds without chasing and panic among the flock is doing so after roost time, keeping it dark.. use a flashlight or headlamp and remove one at a time... starting with the most difficult bird.. apply or administer whatever I'm doing and set back on roost. It does not need to be a long caging process

Looks like a lot of your birds are molting and this can be a real uncomfortable time for handling for them. Pin feathers pressed in can be painful, so handle carefully if you choose to do so.

Why keep a rooster that causes you fear?

I looked at your weather pattern... and 28 is not really that cold with regards to frostbite. Ensuring that you have plenty of ventilation to keep humidity low (even from birds exhaling).. is key to preventing frostbite.

Hope this helps some.

 

[Shadrach]

How do feel about working with him while he's on his roost?
It's an excellent method of getting a chicken used to being handled.
I do as much as I can regarding their health care while they are on the roost, or by standing them on top the coop (may not be possible for you) and wearing a head torch.
It would take you seconds to smear a bit of Vaseline on his comb.
His spurs look like they could do with a quick file to take the worst of the point off, may help if he's aggressive.
While you're at it give his legs a coat as well.
Don't get caught up in the why do you keep a rooster you're scared of. Instead, learn how to handle him. If it takes time so be it. One step at a time.

 

[aart]

Is it just dry skin, since he doesn't even have tips?

I'm betting he has already had severe frostbite and lots all his tips...
...and probably healed up just fine with no interventions at all.
Where and when did you get that bird?
Vaseline doesn't work, and may make it worse...leave them alone.

 

[50-45-1]

But, this means, Spike will be caged up and angry for some time

Why?
dont bring a chicken inside in the winter unless you plan on keeping that chicken inside until spring. his body is acclimated to the cold now.
if that is a current picture of your rooster, he is fine. i see no frostbite.
check your coop for drafts.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

I'm betting he has already had severe frostbite and lots all his tips...
...and probably healed up just fine with no interventions at all.
Where and when did you get that bird?
Vaseline doesn't work, and may make it worse...leave them alone.

Uh oh. I also used Vaseline on a few combs, but for dry skin and in hope to help with protection on cold days and nights. It ended up making a mess of their feathers when they started doing chicken things in the dirt the next day and the chickens I put Vaseline on had black heads from dirt and debris sticking. It drove my BR cockerel crazy when grass or whatever would stick. My cockerel that I haven't done anything to has the most beautiful and large comb, but his skin texture on his comb is extremely silky smooth. @aart do you suggest not doing anything preventative to the comb/wattles and then treating any issues that arise, should anything arise? And keep an eye on drafts and moisture levels in coop for prevention? Thank you. OP, this is a wonderful topic, so thank you as well.

 

[aart]

@aart do you suggest not doing anything preventative to the comb/wattles and then treating any issues that arise, should anything arise?

No topical preventatives here...and no treatment needed unless serious infection sets in, infection never happened here, mostly because, IMO, I kept my hands off of it.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-sw-michigan.74597/

 

[HeatherKellyB]

No topical preventatives here...and no treatment needed unless serious infection sets in, infection never happened here, mostly because, IMO, I kept my hands off of it.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-sw-michigan.74597/

Thank you! I'm happy to hear this. Is there anything you suggest for just dry skin on combs? My laying pullets are cold hardy breeds and spend a lot of time hanging outside even on cold day, at their preference. I'm guessing that has caused my BO's dry skin. Come to think of it, all of my pullets with single combs have been dry since they grew right before laying.

 

[aart]

Is there anything you suggest for just dry skin on combs?

I don't worry about dry combs.
Unless you're showing birds they don't need any cosmetics, IMO.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

I don't worry about dry combs.
Unless you're showing birds they don't need any cosmetics, IMO.

Thank you! Definitely not showing so I'm sure they will appreciate this. Thanks again