Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[robyn8]

Do any of you put Vaseline or bag balm on your chickens combs and wattles? I've read completely opposite opinions on it. Some say it prevents frostbite but then I've also read it attracts more moisture to the area and increases frostbite risk.

 

[Folly's place]

I currently have 41 chickens, and most have small combs and wattles. It's practical!
The few single combed birds in my flock have to manage without having stuff applied to their combs! I've never been convinced that it's worth the effort, and once there's a problem with frostbite developing, it's harmful to rub the sites at all.
I think that providing a good ventilated coop, fresh unfrozen water, and a good diet, are all much more important.
And selecting breeds that cope better with cold conditions!
Mary

 

[robyn8]

I currently have 41 chickens, and most have small combs and wattles. It's practical!
The few single combed birds in my flock have to manage without having stuff applied to their combs! I've never been convinced that it's worth the effort, and once there's a problem with frostbite developing, it's harmful to rub the sites at all.
I think that providing a good ventilated coop, fresh unfrozen water, and a good diet, are all much more important.
And selecting breeds that cope better with cold conditions!
Mary

Thanks for your comment Mary! I have mostly pea and rose comb chickens including my rooster by my 3 original hens are buff Orpingtons. They did fine last winter but I like to fret apparently. These next cold days have me worried. I guess they should be fine since they were fine last year. I did put some bag balm on them on the coldest nights though.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm not loving the weather!!!
This morning, for the first time ever, both my heated bases failed, tripped the circuit breakers out there, and the waterers were freezing. DARN IT!!!
I may have fixed everything, but we'll see... Tomorrow is going to be colder.
Mary

 

[1muttsfan]

Bleah. nothing worse than equipment failure in bitter cold.
We are heading towards highs of around zero for the next 3 days, but at least today we see the sun, and yesterday's bitter wind died down.

 

[yochickiemomma]

I'm glad you updated us in him! I'm interested to hear how he does.

He has some of his attitude back which is kind of a good thing. He pecked me yesterday when I was changing the news paper in his cage and he felt a little heavier when I picked him up he's also clucking a little bit. Still not convinced he's better though his comb and wattles are still really pale and he's sleeping a lot. However he is eating quite a bit and drinking about 3 oz of water a day. I'm not sure if I should treat him for anything yet or just keep giving him electrolyte vitamin solution in his water. His poops are all runny or mostly water at this time. And I'm still completely clueless as to why his foot froze. Only time will tell if he makes it (my moneys on him surviving between me doing everything I can think of to help him and the fact that hes meaner than a hornet when he's healthy).

 

[snowflake]

wild birds are emptying their feeder quite fast, I think they know the COLD is coming
filled the waterers yesterday, one seems to be working well the other seems to freeze up a little in the tray, not sure if it is the locating or waterer.. only about 4or5in. on snow on the ground here, but it is cold.

chickens are getting a pumpkin pie today, it has been frozen on my porch since Christmas. I brought it in to defrost this AM, now it is ready for them
Mr. hawk was sitting out in the tree by my drive today, but no chicken dinner for him. they don't come out of the run in winter. maybe he can catch a rabbit.

 

[1muttsfan]

If you offer water with vitamins/electrolytes added, be sure to also offer plain water. Some birds do not like the taste of the electrolytes and will not drink as much. Hydration is crucial for all sick animals, so you do not want to inadvertently reduce their water intake.

 

[1muttsfan]

3 below here, looks like that's it for today - and maybe until Saturday. Feels cold inside too!

 

[yochickiemomma]

If you offer water with vitamins/electrolytes added, be sure to also offer plain water. Some birds do not like the taste of the electrolytes and will not drink as much. Hydration is crucial for all sick animals, so you do not want to inadvertently reduce their water intake.

Thank you for the advise ☺ he seems to be drinking enough either way for his size. His comb also seems to be getting a little colors back in it.
I started him on duravet strike III peletized Natural wormer last night not sure how well or if it works at all but I figured its worth a shot. Something had to cause him to get that bad besides just the cold.