Hens are possibly frostbiten?

[Samannemm]

You put that worry into your back pocket and save it for when you need it!!! You don't know yet if you have an issue with your chickens besides the cold and possibly an out-of-season molt in one, and if there is another problem 99% of the time the remedies are pretty simple. Trying to explain external parasite treatment is one of those things that SOUNDS more complicated than the actual doing is, so relax. You've got this. Just by coming here, explaining and asking, you're already ahead of the game in caring for your chickens.

Thank you, I really appreciate the kind wordsMakes me feel better. I’ve been very anxious about them ever since the coyote attack, especially now with the harsh cold, and considering rehousing them in the spring because I’ve been so worried about them constantly. I’m a huge animal lover (as I think most of us are here) and I’m new to chickens so just want to make sure I’m doing everything the best I can.

 

[Abriana]

Is a heat lamp an option? I recommend prima heat lamps. Protective covering to help reduce fire risk

 

[Samannemm]

Is a heat lamp an option? I recommend prima heat lamps. Protective covering to help reduce fire risk

I suppose I could. I was thinking about one of those heating pads, but I’ve thus far chose not to because of fire risk, their ability to acclimate to the outside temp, possible increase in humidity, etc. I’m strongly considering a heat of just to help their feet though.

 

[Abriana]

I suppose I could. I was thinking about one of those heating pads, but I’ve thus far chose not to because of fire risk, their ability to acclimate to the outside temp, possible increase in humidity, etc. I’m strongly considering a heat of just to help their feet though.

I think if the temp is going to be below twenty five you should have a heat lamp. Chickens start to suffer around twenty

 

[Blooie]

Whether to use a heat lamp or not depends a lot on the coop and setup for the chickens, and just judging from the photos it doesn't look to me like there is the space to do that safely. It would be too risky fire-wise, no matter how safe the lamp is supposed to be, (chicken dust, dander and floating feathers are combustible) and it would far too easy for the chickens to overheat in such a small space. More chickens die from overheating than being cold. @Samannemm has indicated plans to rehousing them in the spring, so she quite wisely already recognizes that the coop isn't optimum for her birds. We all learn, and we all learn better when we learn firsthand. I won't tell you NOT to use one, but I personally detest the things. You are there, I am not, and you know your situation and comfort zone far better than I do.

I had one or two birds with nipped combs my first year before I understood the relationship between ventilation and the importance of not buttoning things down too tightly. Humidity is most often the culprit in frostbite. Those chickens that got nipped remained sound, healthy, content, and were with me a long time, so although it looks a little odd, it's really not that dangerous to them. If it's a real concern, a little Vaseline on the combs at night can help, but even the best housed and cared for birds can get a nip of frostbite occasionally. And no matter what we do, chickens have the odd habit of dipping into the water for a drink, then shaking their heads, depositing water on themselves or a nearby flockmate.....that can freeze before it evaporates if it's cold enough. We live in Northwestern Wyoming not too far from Yellowstone Park, so believe me, it gets darn cold here, and windy!! I never used heat, never used insulation, and never lost a bird to cold. Even my Silkies thrived, and I have photos of them going out to play in the snow when it was 9 degrees outside. The only bird I'd be watching closely is the one who has lost so many feathers, but they are generally smart enough to cozy up to the better feathered ones at night.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Here' my girl with the frostbite.
As far as the dust bath, I just used a plastic tub filled with dry dirt and wood ash. I will attach a photo that shows it in the background.

 

[Abriana]

Here' my girl with the frostbite.
As far as a dust bath, I just used a plastic tub and filled it with dry dirt and wood ash. I will attach a photo thatView attachment 1221475 shows it in the background. View attachment 1221473

Doesn’t look too bad. Put vitamin E on it to promote healing.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Doesn’t look too bad. Put vitamin E on it to promote healing.

Where would you get that? Thanks!

 

[Abriana]

Where would you get that? Thanks!

Depends where you live. I got mine at Giant but you could order it on amazon or buy it at a health food store maybe.

 

[Samannemm]

I’ll work on the coop tomorrow. I went out and bought the dust for mites/lice you all recommended already. I think I should just do it anyways just in case but I plan to check them as well. I will get a dust bath started for them tomorrow as well. I took the top roosting bar out and then opened up the ventilation more (about 1.5-2 inches each side of the coop). Yes, my coop is very tiny. I wouldn’t do a heat lamp, only a heat pad. We have had subzero temps with the windchill here for about a week now and it’s going to last another week. It has gone down to -22 (with windchill) overnight earlier in the week. Sunday night is supposed to be like that again here. Cannot wait until it warms up! I love my hens and would love to keep them, but I also have to be realistic in terms of if I can provide the best care for them without completely panicking every time something new comes up lol.