Problem with comb

[Opa]

My welsummer rooster appears to be very healthy and to try to prevent frostbite I apply a lanolin based creme, Dionnes Udder Balm w/ Frost Proof, every few days all winter. We are finally back to above freezing temperatures and today it's over sixty. Two days ago his comb and wattle changed from their normal bright red to how they now appear, plus his wattles have become quite puffy. Anyone know what this might be?

 

[Wynette]

Oh, Sam....I'm sorry to say, it's frostbite. Sadly, my Francoise looks the same.

 

[shelleyb1969]

Wow...now I know what it looks like. So sorry to see that Sam.

 

[digginchicks]

I have no clue but I have read in posts like this where they say that you could go ahead and dub the comb but I don't know if I would do that or not since he is such a good looking roo. Maybe he will come out of it.

 

[Opa]

I would have thought that frostbite would have been apparent when it was cold, not now that it is above freezing. The comb was bright until two days ago.

 

[Wynette]

Sam, it's possible that it's just on the surface and he'll slough off the dead skin and be okay...but you did say it was quite swollen, which is a sure sign of frostbite. I'd keep doing what you're doing (putting balm on the comb and wattles on nights it will get below 0) and hope for the best.

If you do decide to dub, you need to wait until the swelling goes down. If it were me, I'd wait until he heals and see if it sloughs off. I didn't notice Francoise's comb and wattles were frostbitten until 3 weeks after we had that extreme cold snap.

 

[Opa]

Thanks, that's more less the plan I had. He seems healthy enough. Crowing like crazy, chasing the hens. I quess time will tell.

 

[onthespot]

that is a good looking roo! are your hens laying yet?

 

[ranchhand]

Handsome roo, hopefully it will just slough a bit and be ok. Congratulations on being above freezing for a change!