Help! Chickens possibly frostbitten?

[Lemon-Drop]

Hi! This morning, when I went to let the chickens out of their coop, I saw three of them in the run. I somehow forgot to put them in last night. It's currently 15 degrees outside (f) with snow on the ground, and I'm really worried.

They are a GLW, a Brahma, and a Barred Rock.

I picked them up and put them in the garage (in boxes)
then I'm planning to warm them up inside, and give them a warm Epsom salt bath. How do I tell if their feet are frostbitten? What other things should I do?


I feel really, really bad about forgetting to put them in last night, but I'm trying to just take care of them the best I can and move forward. Please help! Thank you!

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Were they locked out of their coop or did they have access, but weren't locked in? Honestly I wouldn't bring them inside unless they are showing signs of frostbite or acting abnormally. The temperature difference from inside to when you bring them back outside will make the cold that much colder and harder for them to adjust. As far as frostbite goes do their feet or combs look abnormal or are they discolored in any way? How are they all acting?

 

[SpicyDisaster]

Do they have access to the coop from their run? If so, it's possible they were in the coop at night and just out in the run before you were out this morning.

For identifying frostbite, I believe it's discoloration that is a big tipoff (white or black or purple). A big concern is if they are frostbitten, you won't want to thaw and then put them back outside or risk refreezing and further damage.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

They were locked out of the coop, some of their feet are red and pale, one of their feet looks blackish. I'll get photos soon.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

Need photos to know

 

[HollowOfWisps]

While we're waiting on pictures here's a link to frostbite identification, treatment and prevention along with some helpful charts on judging the severerity.
https://poultry.extension.org/articles/poultry-health/frostbite-in-chickens/

 

[Starburst]

Hey, I’m Lemon’s sister. Here the photos of the one we are most worried about - her name is Minnie, and she’s a GLW. Her comb looks ok, but her feet look abnormal. Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Eggcessive]

Pictures could be helpful. Edited to say, that it may be too early to tell if the darker patches is frostbite. Do not massage or put anything on the legs. Are they having any difficulty walking around or do the feet seem tender? The best way to prevent frostbite is to keep them out of direct wind drafts, dry bedding, and have overhead air circulation to remove moisture. It may take a few days to see if any tissue is frostbitten. Combs and wattles, and feet may appear pale or swollen, and color can then change to white, tan, or brown. I would not lock them out of their coop in winter. They need a place to go to if they get cold or if it is too windy.

 

[Eggcessive]

Stepping into water or wet spots can be bad if the air is below freezing. Here are a couple of good articles with info about frostbite:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/frostbit-in-backyard-chickens-causes/

https://poultry.extension.org/articles/poultry-health/frostbite-in-chickens/

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Do not massage or put anything on the legs.

Alright.

Are they having any difficulty walking around or do the feet seem tender?

I'm not sure, how would I tell if they seem tender?

The best way to prevent frostbite is to keep them out of direct wind drafts, dry bedding, and have overhead air circulation to remove moisture. It may take a few days to see if any tissue is frostbitten. Combs and wattles, and feet may appear pale or swollen, and color can then change to white, tan, or brown. I would not lock them out of their coop in winter. They need a place to go to if they get cold or if it is too windy.

Yeah, it was a total accident, and I feel really bad.