Leghorn pale line in comb?

[Kyton]

I’m in new chicken owner in New England and running a no-heat coop this winter. Today I noticed that my Brown Leghorn has a pale streak across her comb, and I’m wondering if this could be the start of frostbite?

Two nights ago it dropped to around 4°F (with even lower wind chills). When I checked on them the next morning it was about 5°F, all the girls were already outside walking around and seemed totally fine. At that point, my Leghorn didn’t have the pale line.

Last night was much milder (around 12°F), and this morning is when I noticed the stream. I had applied a bit of olive oil to her comb and wattles before the 4°F night.

I’m using the deep litter method, and I believe I have adequate ventilation without any noticeable drafts.

Has anyone seen this kind of pale line before? Is it early frostbite, a circulation issue, or something else entirely? She’s my only Brown Leghorn, and my two White Australorps and one Black Sex Link seem completely normal. The Leghorn herself is acting totally fine and she was outside most of the day today (around 34°F) and behaving like usual.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome To BYC

Yes, to me it looks like Frostbite. I wouldn't apply any oils or ointments to the comb or wattles since this could lock in moisture and the tissue may freeze.

The line is likely where the comb is exposed while she has her head tucked in under her wing. I had a rooster last year that slept in the drafty rafters all winter, he tucked his head and there was a clear line where the comb was exposed to wind, etc. As winter progressed the tissue began to turn black and the points die off (auto dub). I don't touch Frostbitten tissue, it can be painful to them. I just monitor the bird to make sure they are eating/drinking and relatively active. My rooster (and others that have had Frostbite in the past on combs/wattles) did not indicate they were bothered.


Depending on the damage, as time goes by, your hen may lose some of the points or they will round off.

Here's an article with photos of the progression of Frostbite that you may find helpful.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-sw-michigan.74597/

 

[Anon112]

Yes, that looks a lot like frostbite. I had something similar with my rooster last year. Unfortunately, everything above "the line" eventually died and fell off.

Generally monitor him health-wise. It can take quite a while for the tissue to self-amputate. The day it fell off, there was a little bleeding on the comb, and you could apply a bit of triple antibiotice or do a little betadine/antiseptic to make sure there's no infection. (But obviously don't get his comb wet unless you can dry it afterward with such cold temps!)

 

[Kyton]

Yes, that looks a lot like frostbite. I had something similar with my rooster last year. Unfortunately, everything above "the line" eventually died and fell off.

Generally monitor him health-wise. It can take quite a while for the tissue to self-amputate. The day it fell off, there was a little bleeding on the comb, and you could apply a bit of triple antibiotice or do a little betadine/antiseptic to make sure there's no infection. (But obviously don't get his comb wet unless you can dry it afterward with such cold temps!)

Welcome To BYC

Yes, to me it looks like Frostbite. I wouldn't apply any oils or ointments to the comb or wattles since this could lock in moisture and the tissue may freeze.

The line is likely where the comb is exposed while she has her head tucked in under her wing. I had a rooster last year that slept in the drafty rafters all winter, he tucked his head and there was a clear line where the comb was exposed to wind, etc. As winter progressed the tissue began to turn black and the points die off (auto dub). I don't touch Frostbitten tissue, it can be painful to them. I just monitor the bird to make sure they are eating/drinking and relatively active. My rooster (and others that have had Frostbite in the past on combs/wattles) did not indicate they were bothered.


Depending on the damage, as time goes by, your hen may lose some of the points or they will round off.

Here's an article with photos of the progression of Frostbite that you may find helpful.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-sw-michigan.74597/

Would it be wise to add a radiant heat panel for the girls? I don't want it to progress any further...it's the very beginning of winter

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Would it be wise to add a radiant heat panel for the girls? I don't want it to progress any further...it's the very beginning of winter

I've never added extra heat during winter. While a panel may help giving them a warming spot during the day, it's unlikely it will prevent Frostbite.