Langshan Thread!!!

[Lacy Blues]

I just want to second the bit about vaseline on the comb. I have made a point of the coop being draft free but I learned the value of this practice from Ididarod information and hobby dog sledders in my area and use it on my kids. Yup, human ones, long before having chickens. My kids like to go out in all the windy snowy weather and their cheeks get wind burn or snow rash from eating the snow-- yes, I tell them it is wrong. So, when we go sledding or when the weather is down real low I put chapstick, lanolin, olive or almond oil, anything on there that I have handy to keep the skin protected. I usually use Burts Bees on them but chapstick or bag balm or vaseline works fine, too, and better than oils as a waxier substance lasts longer.

I have a can of bag balm. The only thing is I get to catch my roosters to do this... I have 10 pens for boys (don't have that many now) so that should be a lot of fun! How long does the bag balm last?

 

[Lacy Blues]

Ok, icy hot and then bag balm on the combs. Let me know how long the bag balm lasts and I will leave your Langshan thread alone. I didn't mean to hijack. Sorry everybody.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

It is no problem and you are more than welcome here! I usually apply every 2 days. What you might want to try to make this easier on you, is to do it at night. They cannot see well, so all you have to do to catch them is pick them off of the roost. We are all more than happy to answer questions, even if it doesn't directly pertain to the Langshan breed, we can use these methods on our birds as well.

 

[ashandvine]

Well you aren't going to be happy about this: I do it every day its below 20 especially if there's wind IF they are going out-- this is my kids mind you. If you keep yours inside it will last better. There is a woman who crocheted or knitted little bonnets for hers. Yes, really. Try it out and see what happens. If they are sharing heat it might not be too bad. I recommend you look into the wax that the dog sledders use and see if there isn't something comparable at a decent price and put that one them. Its meant to hold up while the dogs run on the snow and ice so it has to stay pretty well. That's my advice anyway... two cents here.

edited to add that I would apply when they are drowsing on their roosts or first thing in the morning before anyone is let out so that you can manage catching easier and then let out who is done. It might be easiest with a helper.

 

[Lacy Blues]

A big thank you to ashandvine and also to rodriguezpoultry for all your help. I'll look into the dog sled stuff.

I've actually thought of making them some comb covers out of flannel, maybe a tablecloth that has vinyl on one side. The problem would be keeping them on and keeping them dry.

Thanks everybody.

 

[ashandvine]

Check this out.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/106691/how-do-you-prevent-frostbite-in-the-winter

This brought up concerns for wattles in the water as well. If I were going to knit or crochet something it would be pretty easy, a tube really, with either a drawstring or elastic so it slid on the head and around the face like a ski mask. You could probably save yourself some trouble and find little baby socks that are really thick. Cut the toe off and slide it onto roo head.
(did I just come up with that one the fly? Wow. )

 

[Stephanie739]

I ordered two black langshans today

I don't see this breed being discussed too often, but the more I looked into them, the more I decided I would like to add them to my flock. Babies are coming in two weeks

 

[msladyhawke]

Random pics of my LF & bantam Langshans

 

[animalsRawesome]

Random pics of my LF & bantam Langshans

Very Nice!

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

They are looking gorgeous M!!!!!!!