Ugh frostbite

[berkchicks]

Despite my very best efforts, one of my beautiful Cochin roosters has frostbite on his comb.

Last week it was unusually cold in Maryland and dipped well below zero several nights.

Our coop is not heated, but well ventilated, very dry (low to no humidity) and I added extra bedding and put vasoline on everyone each night before going up to roost. I also gave them corn before bed to help warm them up.

I guess I am just feeling a bit guilty! Was there anything else I could’ve done?

I’m also a little bit nervous because we are going out of town next week. We have someone house sitting and watching them while we are gone but of course they were calling for sub zero temps again.

Is frostbite just unavoidable sometimes? I feel like such a bad chicken mama!

Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Sounds like you have done everything you can to avoid frostbite, but yes, I think sometimes it is unavoidable especially on birds with a large comb.

If you have photos you would like to share, that would be good.

 

[Chickassan]

X2! One slightly bright side is it is normally a one time thing on bigger combs. They get "winter dubbed" one good time and that is it.
It isn't a pretty process, but they heal up well in a few months it is like it didn't even happen.

Sounds like you have done everything you can to avoid frostbite, but yes, I think sometimes it is unavoidable especially on birds with a large comb.

If you have photos you would like to share, that would be good.

 

[berkchicks]

Sounds like you have done everything you can to avoid frostbite, but yes, I think sometimes it is unavoidable especially on birds with a large comb.

If you have photos you would like to share, that would be good.

Thank you! I just feel so bad - I truly thought I had done everything to protect him.

Should I not let them free range when it’s below a certain temp?

Here is a photo of Mr. Sugar Cookie.

 

[berkchicks]

X2! One slightly bright side is it is normally a one time thing on bigger combs. They get "winter dubbed" one good time and that is it.
It isn't a pretty process, but they heal up well in a few months it is like it didn't even happen.

Oh that IS good news. I truly hope this is the case with my big guy. He’s super sweet and I feel like I let him down!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you! I just feel so bad - I truly thought I had done everything to protect him.

Should I not let them free range when it’s below a certain temp?

Here is a photo of Mr. Sugar Cookie. View attachment 1653733

Mr. Sugar Cookie sure looks sweet (can't help myself)
He will probably lose the tips, they will "self dub" (dry up and fall off) they will become rounded.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/prevent-and-treat

 

[berkchicks]

Mr. Sugar Cookie sure looks sweet (can't help myself)
He will probably lose the tips, they will "self dub" (dry up and fall off) they will become rounded.

Hehehee thank you! He is quite the gentleman! I actually have two Cochin roosters (unplanned of course!) and they are both very sweet guys.

Thanks for your help!

 

[berkchicks]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/prevent-and-treat

Eek - I get an error message when I click on the link!

 

[HenHouse4Life]

Eek - I get an error message when I click on the link!

You can search frostbite under the articles tab to find great information. Not sure why it's giving an error message.... apologies.
If you know in advance that extreme cold weather is coming you can put vaseline on combs before damage is done.
High roosts and great ventilation are important.
I live in Michigan and don't use heat sources ... ever. I'm too afraid of losing entire flocks due to fire hazards, call me crazy.... maybe I'm the chicken