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Is this frost bite?

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by NorthChicken, Feb 6, 2014.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Feb 6, 2014 #1
    NorthChicken

    NorthChicken Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Jul 9, 2013
    Caribou, Maine (almost in Canada!)
    My girls are all 21 weeks old, and doing well. Both Speckled Sussex have started squatting in the past 2 days, so I am really keeping my fingers crossed for some eggs soon!

    Went out today, and noticed their combs looked like this:
    [​IMG]

    Is that frost bite? If so, is there anything I should do about it? [​IMG]
    None of my others have issues, combs all look fine. We have a high of about 10F today, and the temps at night are usually around -15F below zero the last few nights, although -25F below is the norm. We had a few nights of -45F below zero as well. I have lots of ventilation in the coop, leave the pop door open on the 'warmer' nights (as warm as it can get in Northern Maine in Jan/Feb!!). I am more than ready for spring!! As are these pretty ladies!
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  3. Feb 6, 2014 #2
    scratch'n'peck

    scratch'n'peck Overrun With Chickens

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    West Michigan
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    Pretty chickens. They may have just the slightest touch of frostbite. Or maybe it is just dry skin and less sun exposure than usual. Just a bit of Vaseline on the comb can protect them from the cold air.
     
  5. Feb 6, 2014 #3
    NorthChicken

    NorthChicken Chillin' With My Peeps

    194
    15
    81
    Jul 9, 2013
    Caribou, Maine (almost in Canada!)
    Thanks, that makes me feel better!! I will put a bit of vaseline on the combs to see if that helps.
     
  7. Feb 7, 2014 #4
    aart

    aart Chicken Juggler! Premium Member

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    Vaseline might help....but it looks very mild and they may not even loose the tips.

    My first year with chooks and I have had several bouts with frostbite, the light colored stuff like you have seems to go away after a week or so.
    Even the roos black waddle seems fine, shrinks and dries up. Just watch for swelling/infection...IMO there's no reason to intervene otherwise.
     
  9. Feb 7, 2014 #5
    scratch'n'peck

    scratch'n'peck Overrun With Chickens

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    West Michigan
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    I don't think they will loose the tips of their combs. That tends to only happen when the tissue turns black. The Vaseline is is just a precaution that could prevent future frostbite. This cold weather just is not letting up. It is a good thing that chickens are pretty cold hardy.
     
  11. Feb 8, 2014 #6
    humphrey farms

    humphrey farms Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Jun 28, 2012
    Naples Maine
    Mine look the same. A little bit of Vaseline will help for future frostbite. Take heed, spring is coming! It's been a real hard one here in Western Maine too in the Lakes Region. Pretty girls!
     

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