How to keep my chickens combs from freezing?

[silkiechicken]

Our winters are rather mild. Perhaps 2 weeks of total freeze, and maybe a week of nights in the teens?

Through all that time, my birds sleep outside in their run under tarps.... I can certainly say that it is drafty if there are winds, but I've never had them frost bit. However, others I know with enclosed walls on their coops did end up with frost bite. This will be my first winter with my new coop with walls. But the entire top edge under the roof is open, we'll see how the birds do.

We don't get -20's, we probably have not had even single digit temps in a long time, so if that is the case where you are, I don't think you can have too much ventilation.

 

[grasspack]

Hello,

I have heard that Vicks Vapor Rub on the combs works really well too, to help prevent frostbite. I think it is important for people to get a cold hardy breed if you live in a cold area.

 

[SteveBaz]

When I was talking to a farmer I bought 3 chicks from he said he used Neosporin. His logic was a barrier and it was a medicated ointment that did not come off easy. Made sense. In December we get cold enough but never like some mid-west areas. He happened to be up near Mt Hood and has hundreds of chickens every where.

 

[haemony]

Quote:
I'd never put Vicks Vapor Rub anywhere on chickens!

I think the standard suggestion is to use Vaseline Petroleum jelly not Vicks Vapor Rub. Someone probably confused the two and repeated the advice to you incorrectly. I've never tried the Vaseline trick but if you do, please use Vaseline and not Vicks. I think Vicks would be bad news to use on a chicken.

 

[Beekissed]

It's just the difference of eucalyptus oil and can't cause much discomfort unless they have an open area or fissure on their skin. The menthol will evaporate quickly and leave only petroleum ointment behind....which is just vaseline.

 

[grasspack]

Quote:
Never ever put Vicks Vapor Rub anywhere on your chickens!

I think the standard suggestion is to use Vaseline Petroleum jelly not Vicks Vapor Rub. Someone probably confused the two and repeated the advice to you incorrectly.
I've never tried the Vaseline trick but if you do, please use Vaseline and not Vicks. Vicks would be bad news to use on a chicken.

It was actually a really good old "chicken guy" that recommended the Vicks Vapor Rub on their combs. He shows and breeds in the North and has for years. We have put Vicks Vapor Rub on our kids for years....don't think it's going to hurt a roosters comb.

 

[Patches The Hen]

Quote:
That actually sounds like a really good idea

Maybe I could crochet something that would work...
Thanks!

You must take pics if you do it!!

I will for sure

 

[UrbanFarmerGreg]

Isn't frostbite basically the moisture inside freezes and in doing so kills the cells? So would the answer either be eliminate one or the other?

 

[Smarcebird]

Cover of Hobby farms chicken publication..... makes me want to start some knitting!

http://www.hencam.com/henblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Chickens-cover-for-blog.jpg

 

[Patches The Hen]

I think I'm going to start with vaseline, and if that doesn't work...I'll try some of the other ideas

Thanks!!!!!!!