How to prevent frostbite?

[MeepBeep]

Hi everyone! I'm sure this isn't the right place to post this question--but, since you are on topic....this may be a silly question. I have 9 week old's outside now, they have been since 6 weeks. So, they have gone from the warmer days, to chillier days, to cooler to down right freezing days. Since they are young, they do not have large combs. But, what should I be looking out for to make sure they aren't getting the beginning of frost bite? 

Monitor the humidity in the coop, if it's above 60% when the birds are in there increase ventilation...

Beyond that, by the time you see visible signs of frostbite, it's generally too late and the damages is started... That isn't to say you can't prevent further damage at that point by addressing the existing frostbite...

As for what it looks like, just do a Goolge image search for 'frostbite on chickens'

 

[CindyJackJr]

Keep them free of drafts and lots of ventilation. That is the key. Also, keep some coconut oil on hand just in case. Make sure that they have access to "warm water" , they will not drink it if it is too cold.

 

[emmajane07]

Thank you both

 

[MeepBeep]

Make sure that they have access to "warm water" , they will not drink it if it is too cold. 

I have never seen a chicken refuse to drink 'cold' water... The water in my coop is held at about 35° right now, and they are drinking it up just fine, with no hesitation...

 

[peep peep peep]

Quote: One thing we see when ours have frostbite is that there combs actually frost over. If you don't catch it when it is doing that it will turn black.

 

[CindyJackJr]

Then I must have spoiled chickens ..............Mine wont touch it...

 

[MeepBeep]

Then I must have spoiled chickens ..............Mine wont touch it... 

Yes, chickens are easy to spoil, if they know they will get something 'better' if they ignore what they have they will do that, just like a kid not drinking water if he knows he will get a soda because he refused to drink the water...

 

[aart]

My chickens seem to like to eat snow even if there's warm(50-60F) or cold ~(30'sF) water in the waterer.

 

[BayBay Peepers]

I'm sure each flock is different and has certain preferences based on how they are kept.

Last year we had a water emergency and I learned mine will indeed drink cold water. Our power went out so the heated dishes froze solid. I swapped dishes every half hour until their thawed out. They had no choice but to drink out of dishes that were icing up for a day.

 

[CindyJackJr]

Agreed.! Spoiling is easy to do.