Supplemental heat in extreme cold

[Chirpy]

In 20 years of, down to -35, weather (in Colorado)... we've only twice had chickens end up with frost bite. Both times were roosters who had large combs and both times were when the temps were in the minus 20s and/or -30s. We regularly have below zero temperatures and haven't had issues with frostbite. Remember good ventilation - not drafts! I learned that you can put Vaseline on their combs before bitter cold weather and it will protect them. If you are worried about it getting dirty - wipe off the vaseline and reapply the next night.

 

[chickadee777]

In 20 years of, down to -35, weather (in Colorado)... we've only twice had chickens end up with frost bite. Both times were roosters who had large combs and both times were when the temps were in the minus 20s and/or -30s. We regularly have below zero temperatures and haven't had issues with frostbite. Remember good ventilation - not drafts! I learned that you can put Vaseline on their combs before bitter cold weather and it will protect them. If you are worried about it getting dirty - wipe off the vaseline and reapply the next night.

I wonder if something more natural like cocoa butter or beeswax salve would work.

 

[mrjvi]

My coop is insulated but except for their water, I don't heat. We've had weeks where it gets near or below zero and except for the rooster's combs occasionally, they are all fine.

 

[Ted Brown]

... except for the rooster's combs occasionally...

In my experience this indicates that humidity level in the coop is too high, more ventilation required

 

[Chirpy]

I wonder if something more natural like cocoa butter or beeswax salve would work.

That would be worth researching. I've not heard anyone doing that.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

That would be worth researching. I've not heard anyone doing that.

@Eggcessive, I believe, has commented on this - the whole Vaseline thing. She doesn't recommend it. Perhaps she'll explain why.

 

[Eggcessive]

It is hard to prevent frostbitten combs when zero or below. There needs to be some overhead ventilation from one end to the other to remove any humidity from breathing. I don’t use creams or ointment to prevent or treat frostbite on combs. Those things will freeze, and make it worse. I would not heat the coop if possible. We see a lot of coop fires here on BYC as a result of heat lamps. If you insist on using heat, there are sweeter heaters or heat plates. Do not handle combs or wattles or toes/feet when frostbite occurs, because they are painful, and it can worsen damage. It may take a week or so to see the extent of any frostbite.