Trimming comb?

[houndit]

I read about trimming the combs of your chikens in the winter. It said if they get frostbite on their comb it can cause decreased fertility ect. Is this true?

 

[al6517]

The procedure used is called DUBBING ( cutting off a portion of the comb ), for me I would only do it if they got frostbite, but for folks who live where it is very cold in the winter most of time, it may work for you. I think Doing it during the summer months would speed healing.

Good Luck
AL

 

[Biddieacres]

Never heard of the fertility issue. But ouch. Don't think I could do it.

 

[al6517]

I also have heard this infertility thing but just in passing, would like to know if it has any truth to it, or if it is just an old wifes tale.

 

[Splash_Guard]

I use the preventative method. Prevent frostbite, no problem.

 

[DTchickens]

Quote:
dubbing during summer will kill them if you dont watch it.. Increased blood flow and stuff like that, its best to dub in cold weather. about a hour before dark so they settle down easily... some people (myself included) Dub by the new moon.. bloods in the feet then.. have also heard of people sticking their legs in COLD water. the blood rushes there for warmth. And dubbing... does not hurt. Once i get a few offspring to dub i will record it and put it on youtube (Since there are no current videos of dubbing on the internet.. have looked and people seem to think they're going to go crazy when you do it

)

 

[coffeelady3]

Ouch! I've read that applying vasoline to the comb can help prevent frostbite. (The vasoline has a lower freezing point, so it would have to be REALLY cold to freeze anything under it) Sounds a whole lot less painful to me!

 

[DTchickens]

Quote:
Dubbing, isn't painful. or at least its not enough to even notice as they show no reaction to it

 

[davidb]

Yea its best done in the winter and right before dark, I use to go by the signs, But have since found that if you give them a couple of vitamin K tablets, and hold and pet them until they calm down, it will decrease the amount of blood, some will hardly bleed at all,also if they do bleed ,sprinkle a little flour over the cut and it will stop the bleeding

 

[al6517]

That does make sense, hard to believe they don't feel any pain, that is great.