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.