What is the benefit of petroleum jelly on combs?

[2mnypets]

I read somewhere that applying petroleum jelly or moisturizer on the combs during the wintertime will help or reduce the chance of your chickens getting frostbite. I somewhat see why as far as coverage, but does someone have a simple answer to it? Thanks in advance!

 

[wegotchickens]

Something to do with the layer of goo trapping heat/ reducing heat loss. Swimmers do it too, if they're swimming in really cold water.

 

[mdbucks]

Its like chapstick for combs keeps moisture in comb insted of releaseing moisture thus preventing(or at least trying to prevent) frostbite

 

[2mnypets]

Thanks everyone for the answer.

 

[FluffyChickenMama]

Quote:
its a moisture thing?? I always thought that was a heat thing.. because ppl loose the most heat through their heads in the winter, I just figure chickens must loose it through their combs.. but now that I think about it the chapstick things makes sense too..

 

[doodledo]

So how many of you actually put vaseline on their combs in the winter? Is this a must?

 

[cheeptrick]

I will try this too...some of my wheaten colored ee's combs are very dry looking. Maybe I should use lanolin instead? I have some of that and it might be better since its more natural than petroleum!

 

[Rebel Chicken]

I might try it this winter as well. This is my first winter with chickens and I'm doing everything I can to make them safe.

 

[speckledhen]

I do it on the ones with the largest combs, my roosters and one or two hens. Hate to see a rooster lose his beautiful points to frostbite.

 

[ella]

Be careful if you are in a very cold climate. One of my old EE roo's comb froze solid because of the petroleum jelly.

It was about -15 windchill and he refused to be indoors so I coated his comb, 15 minutes later it was frozen solid. His uncoated companion's combs were only damaged on the tips.