Tiny bits of frostbite on young black australorp hen combs

[BoknRoll]

We've had temperatures well below zero (Fahrenheit) for several days straight now. Three nights in a row of lows down to -20 or -15. Highs around 0 or a few digits below. Wind chills down to -40.

I noticed yesterday that 2 of my 6 four-month-old hens had a tiny bit of black on their comb tips. Both are black australorps. My other hens which are mostly buff orpingtons didn't have any discoloration. They have a dry, wind-free coop and run with top ventilation. They're not getting wet and we've been adding fresh deep wood shavings. Honestly kind of puzzled it happened since their combs are still so small (they're roughly this age). Is the culprit just the low temperatures or is there something wrong with their setup? Maybe their young age? The temp in the coop is usually about 10 degrees warmer than outdoor and humidity in the coop has been 50% (compared to 80% outside).

I don't typically add any heat to the coop or insulate it, but since this weather is going to continue for another week, I'm considering doing something so their combs don't get worse. Any suggestions to help reduce the impact? Do I need to bring them inside or add heat outside?

 

[aart]

At those temps FB is almost inevitable.
I'd not worry too much, looksminor.

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you get a more clear picture? That is very cold. Heat lamps are dangerous in coops, and cause many fires and loss of chickens. For this cold snap, is there a place that you can move them, such as a basement or garage with some heat? Just heating to a little warmer might help. Do not put any creams or ointments on combs, since it will make them freeze more.

 

[BoknRoll]

Can you get a more clear picture? That is very cold. Heat lamps are dangerous in coops, and cause many fires and loss of chickens. For this cold snap, is there a place that you can move them, such as a basement or garage with some heat? Just heating to a little warmer might help. Do not put any creams or ointments on combs, since it will make them freeze more.

I could move them to a garage, but would I need to wait until it heals to put them back outside? Worried about re-acclimating since it will be months before temps are consistently above freezing here. I've read that it can make it worse to put them back in the cold once the comb has thawed, but I'm new to this. I'll try and get a better photo today.

 

[Eggcessive]

I don’t treat frostbite on combs. A good picture will show if it is just a little mild frostbite that may improve, or if tips may become rounded off. The damage of frostbite may not be clear for a week or so. The suggestion to move them temporarily is just to get them in a slightly warmer temperature, not in a warm place. They need to stay accustomed to cold weather. If you can place them in a place where it is 20 degrees versus 10 below, that would be good enough. Then there would be no reacclimating to cold weather.

 

[BoknRoll]

I don’t treat frostbite on combs. A good picture will show if it is just a little mild frostbite that may improve, or if tips may become rounded off. The damage of frostbite may not be clear for a week or so. The suggestion to move them temporarily is just to get them in a slightly warmer temperature, not in a warm place. They need to stay accustomed to cold weather. If you can place them in a place where it is 20 degrees versus 10 below, that would be good enough. Then there would be no reacclimating to cold weather.

Got it. Thank you. I don't think the garage will work then as we can't bring the temperature down that low without risking the pipes. Here are some better photos:

 

[BoknRoll]

Bump to see if anyone has any further thoughts. What to do when a draft-free, ventilated coop still results in frostbite?