when and how to prevent frostbite

[Beekissed]

My coop has the same ventilation as it has had for many a year, so I'm not sure about ventilation being the key. Previously, when I got a few frostbit combs on roos, I was raking out feces each day and not using any bedding.

Then I started using deep litter in the coop and only changing out bedding twice a year and I've not had any frost bite since...on roo or hen.

Same number of birds, same type of birds, same coop with the same ventilation and in the same climate/weather conditions...the only difference? Deep litter.

 

[<3 N.C Chicken Chick <3]

I guess the litter must put off warmth

I was wondering what dose the frost bite look like on chickens so I can know what to look out for

any pics?

 

[DaughterOfEve]

After three years of dealing with single comb poultry, I have changed breeds to pea combs. However our show bantams are another story. Rose combs and single combs are a challenge. Vasoline is very messy. The coop set up does not allow deep litter method because of clearance for the door opening in instead of out. Some folks will keep birds who's combs need protecting inside the coop all winter. Space is an issue for me so time out in the run is really important. Last winter I ran light bulbs under the roos with the problem combs. I am interested in the comments about humidity and will be researching that further. Maybe I can figure out how to make cozy comb hats and finally make that million.

 

[<3 N.C Chicken Chick <3]

I was also thinking about some kind of comb hat

 

[Beekissed]

N.C chicken Owner :

I guess the litter must put off warmth

I was wondering what dose the frost bite look like on chickens so I can know what to look out for

any pics?

No pics but the comb or its edges will darken into purple and then into black. The blackened part will eventually slough off but watch closely on large and fleshy combs and wattles for signs of infection/inflammation. Some people just cut that part off when it occurs...it shouldn't have much feeling as everything is deadened.​

 

[7L Farm]

Here's a picture of my roo who got some frost bite. See the black on his wattles. The tips on his comb were

black but fell off.

 

[<3 N.C Chicken Chick <3]

Thanks guys. I was worried because my roo has black dots not parasite dots but just like it turned black. They are not in an huge section togeather, and it didn't look like the pic so I feel better now. Thank you for all the help I really appreciate it

 

[JodyJo]

this is what it looks like...it did go away though...they were too dumb to stay inside, so this year, I will keep them inside...!

sometimes the combs and wattles can be turned black by the other chickens pecking...they like to clean each others beaks etc, looks like they are kissing!
so it can be caused by that, and that clears up also.

 

[<3 N.C Chicken Chick <3]

Great pic thank you

sorry a bout your chicken. I know how you feel about the staying inside thing mine stand in the rain

 

[JodyJo]

N.C chicken Owner :

Great pic thank you

sorry a bout your chicken. I know how you feel about the staying inside thing mine stand in the rain

this roo is from last year, he has since been rehomed...I don't really want to know what happened to him!

I have an entire new flock and live in a very cold area in Colorado, first snow storm today as a matter of fact!

My girls will be allowed out, unless it drops -15* or so...we get to much colder...so we will see how it goes this winter...they will have access to the run, but not to free range.​