Protecting Combs and Wattles From Frostbite....

[Rare Feathers Farm]

Acid-free vaseoline. It's worked for me on my Muscovies' faces, as well. Other than that, I try to stick with pea combs or smaller combed birds. I really wanted Golden Lakenvelders but decided against them for that reason. I suppose you could dub their combs, too...but that's not my thing...

 

[redhen]

Kelley...post pics of the combs....so people can better understand what you are trying to explain....

 

[redhen]

okay..shes to slow....lol....heres a few pics of the Delaware..and the Bo i gave her....*the Deli is dirty on her head....where i had been putting the vaseline..which made any dirt stick to it...*

and this is my Sussex girl...shes got it real bad! and i had been using vaseline and bag balm!!....

 

[UrbanMama]

Aren't they so pretty!

One other thought...what about a spray adhesive (bandage) that's made for animals? Other than the one I have ....its silver/shiny. But the adhesive would give a protective layer w/ out the moisture problems.... opinions??

 

[redhen]

Quote:
ooh good idea!! anyone????

 

[ella]

Pretty girls.

That doesn't look like frostbite, looks more like she got in a fight. Frostbite starts on the tips and works it's way down. Like this

Whatever it is I'm sure she'll be fine. I would personally quit putting stuff on it and let it dry out. Just my totally unscientific thing I would do.

 

[ivan3]

I would think that if the hens have a wind free area in the run they should be o.k. (our west/north fencing is tarped for the winter). Only time we've had frostbite was when the roo was out in the wind (almost 70°F at noon/ 19°F at 4pm with a 25-30mph wind).

Since you mention enjoying the science:

http://herkules.oulu.fi/isbn9514259882/html/x2383.html

 

[CMNo]

I use lard, and haven't noticed any pecking at it or any dirt adhering.