Quote:
This report was interesting. Of the four emollients used the white petrolatum (vasaline) gave a warming sensation and seemed to work the best. But...
"It is probable that one of the main reasons for the increased risk of frostbite, associated with the use of protective emollients in the cold, was not their actual, quite small lowering effect on the skin temperature, but indirectly their effect on facial thermal sensation. White petrolatum gave a skin perception of warmth, leading to a false sensation of safety in the cold, without having the presumed protective effect."
Its use in humans tends to give a false since of protection, so people don't use proper clothing or protection.
However, ... chickens who are constantly exposed anyway, it probably helps some. Who knows how much. A study needs to be done.
On a lighter note I did observe some other quotes from this study which may apply to chickens..
"Hot food and drink are recommended as external heat sources. They reduce also the risk of cold injury based on inadequate nourishment and dehydration. Working, or training at constant pace helps in prevention of wetting the clothing and cooling during the resting pauses. Direct contact with cold terrain (snow, ice, etc.) or metallic objects should be avoided by insulative material, when possible. "
perhaps making the chickens work for their food by spreading it around in the hay/pine shavings, and a heated waterer.
Also; "The radical difference of thermal loss from the head in varying performances and at rest sets great demands for the thermal properties of headgear (Table 25) and face covering garments (Table 26) in work and recreational activities in the cold."
Anyone have any suggestions for 'roo headgear'?
And one last idea; " Chewing of a chewing gum was shown to increase the facial skin temperature in the cold (Hannu Rintamäki, personal information 1999), probably by local increase of circulation in the masticatory muscles."
Does anyone know where I can get some scratch flavored gum?
