Leghorn frostbite getting worse- next steps?

[huckflock]

Hi all- looking for some insight into a frostbite situation. We have luckily mostly avoided frostbite in our flock and I think have come up with a system in the coop over the winter that gives good wind protection but still good ventilation. This past week I’ve noticed frostbite on a few birds. The weather has been extra cold (around -25 to -30 Celsius overnight) but according to the temp reader in the coop the humidity has stayed around 45-55% for the most part. Our rooster has one very minor black bit at the end of one comb tip and one other hen (one of our leghorns) has a small amount at the back of her comb, where she has more of a “swoop”. I’ve been keeping an eye on it and it hasn’t gotten worse. All the other hens are fine.

Betty, our other leghorn, is a different story. She has a very floppy comb so frostbite isn’t totally surprising. She was fine last winter but last week I noticed she was starting to look a bit grey around her comb tips. It went away and her comb looked fine again, but I noticed yesterday it looked like it was coming back. This morning the grey on her comb tips has changed to pale pink and she now has a very pale yellow line across the middle of her comb and it is swollen. I’m debating the merits of bringing her inside to protect her from more cold exposure versus the stress that would cause her. Apart from the frostbite she seems fine- same energy level, no change in egg laying, and still has her typical hearty appetite. Any and all tips and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Unfortunately frostbite will often dub a chicken comb, especially when larger. The line is where it will eventually slough off more than likely. I personally don't do anything because messing with the tissue can cause more issues. Most chickens barely notice it. Generally once temps get below 0 F or less it can be near impossible to fully prevent.

 

[Ahoragi]

Almost every chicken we have is dealing with frostbite except the white ones which have a short stubby comb. It has been in single digits lately and they seem to be uncomfortable as they keep standing on one leg trying to warm the other.

It seems like moisture issues can increase the risk of frost bite but those with tall combs are susceptible to it regardless when the temp drops this low.

 

[windyrhino17]

Hi how's your chicken doing

 

[DrDrumstick]

Almost every chicken we have is dealing with frostbite except the white ones which have a short stubby comb. It has been in single digits lately and they seem to be uncomfortable as they keep standing on one leg trying to warm the other.

It seems like moisture issues can increase the risk of frost bite but those with tall combs are susceptible to it regardless when the temp drops this low.

Hey there — frostbite in single‑digit temps is really common, especially on birds with tall single combs. What you’re describing (standing on one leg, switching legs, looking uncomfortable) is a normal cold‑management behavior, not necessarily a sign of severe frostbite progression.

A few things that help in this kind of weather:

• Ventilation over insulation — moisture is the real enemy. Even a well‑insulated coop will cause frostbite if the air can’t move.
• Dry bedding — wet litter spikes humidity fast.
• Roosts that let them cover their toes — wide, flat roosts help them keep their feet warm.
• Avoid ointments — anything petroleum‑based can actually increase frostbite risk by trapping moisture.
• Watch the tips, not the whole comb — blackened tips are common and usually cosmetic. Spreading, swelling, or infection is when you intervene.


If you want, share a picture of the combs and I can help you figure out whether it’s mild, moderate, or something that needs attention.

 

[Ahoragi]

Hey there — frostbite in single‑digit temps is really common, especially on birds with tall single combs. What you’re describing (standing on one leg, switching legs, looking uncomfortable) is a normal cold‑management behavior, not necessarily a sign of severe frostbite progression.

A few things that help in this kind of weather:

• Ventilation over insulation — moisture is the real enemy. Even a well‑insulated coop will cause frostbite if the air can’t move.
• Dry bedding — wet litter spikes humidity fast.
• Roosts that let them cover their toes — wide, flat roosts help them keep their feet warm.
• Avoid ointments — anything petroleum‑based can actually increase frostbite risk by trapping moisture.
• Watch the tips, not the whole comb — blackened tips are common and usually cosmetic. Spreading, swelling, or infection is when you intervene.


If you want, share a picture of the combs and I can help you figure out whether it’s mild, moderate, or something that needs attention.

Thanks. It's just on the very tips so I believe they will be fine. The ventilation, bedding, and roost bar width is all in check. I appreciate your tips.

 

[huckflock]

Hi how's your chicken doing

Betty is doing great- thanks for asking! She pulled through the frostbite incident relatively unscathed. We ended up bringing her inside (along with her best friend) for a few days and that seemed to help. Her comb has almost totally returned to normal- just a few of the tips are black at the very ends. She had the worst case of frostbite I've seen in our birds and I was worried I was missing something to help her.