Topic of the Week - Frostbite, prevention and treatment - Graphic images in thread

[BantyChooks]

Northwestern corner of Illinois, we get to -25 degrees sometimes, but mostly just sudden freezes, thaws and dampness that killed our silkie

Sorry to hear that.

 

[Jessdesk]

I must pamper them, lol!

 

[BantyChooks]

I must pamper them, lol!

I hear you there. I sometimes bring one of my bantams in when it's not even -10°F out there just because she acts so cold. Manipulating little brat. The other bantams don't care.

She sits there puffed up and shaking, barely moving, until I pick her up. Then she snuggles into my coat.

 

[GldnValleyHens]

I have ducks too for the first time, facing their first winter. They are winter hardy right? What about Calls? I worry their little tootsies will freeze.

 

[Mary's Backyard Chickens]

Yikes....

 

[BantyChooks]

I have ducks too for the first time, facing their first winter. They are winter hardy right? What about Calls? I worry their little tootsies will freeze.

Let me find you a picture later. It's my call drake happily out and about in snow.

Yes, ducks in general and calls too are really winter hardy. Moreso than chickens, even.

 

[GldnValleyHens]

Thats what I thought and hoped. I love em the cuties. Totally hope some of their future eggs hatch.

 

[Crooked Chicken]

This is my first year with the chickens and am trying to prevent frostbite best I can. The coop is well ventilated, I do not use a heater. When I know the temps will be freezing or lower, I coat the chickens combs, wattles and feet with bag balm.

I also have 2 Pekin ducks. I have a heated waterer inside the coop for the chickens -- it's raised high to keep the ducks from getting the coop all wet. They also have one, plus several non-heated bowls, but are outside in the run. Only a portion of the run is covered, but not on the sides. Last year we didn't have much snow, but some years I've heard we will get a lot.

I'm torn between making the ducks have to go out to drink or putting the waterer in a small pool inside the coop so they don't have to go in the snow. Also, I don't put bag balm on the ducks because they are terrified at being handled.

Any opinions on this?

 

[BantyChooks]

Thats what I thought and hoped. I love em the cuties. Totally hope some of their future eggs hatch.

Also, I don't put bag balm on the ducks because they are terrified at being handled.

Sorry, but that mental image made me bust out laughing.
Where/why would you apply bag balm on a duck anyway?

 

[BantyChooks]

Make the ducks go out to drink. It keeps the coop drier and helps prevent frostbite.