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Go Neecy! I'm in Haskell, just west of Muskogee. Let's get the group together somewhere around Muskogee.
that would be wonderful to have one near us...!!
all of my flock are handling the cold ok- what does a frostbit comb look like?? my roo is getting kind of a darker muddy look to his comb...
Check the BYC threads for BYC members in Canada. They have sub-zero temperatures and see serious frostbite problems. Most will counsel others to let the frostbite alone. The blackened areas will fall off on their own. I'd be hesitant to dub unless infection has been identified. I've got roosters who have a coop but insist on sleeping outside some nights, especially when it's about 12 degrees. They have dark tips on their combs and dark crescents on their wattles where the wattles get wet when they drink. Vaseline makes a decent protective coating. You'll hear arguments about whether it makes any difference. Be your own judge. Anyone who says strip, cover yourself with Vaseline, and then say it still works is not clear headed. Chickens have feathers. The comb and wattles are a small portion of the bird's body. A more logical experiment would be to cover one hand with Vaseline, go into the cold, and then make a judgment. Best of luck with your birds. I'm a fussy hen mother, so I often put the birds with large combs and wattles in the barn or shop when I know the temperatures will be in single or double digits. My DH says it not necessary. He's probably right, but it keeps me from worrying.
