Is this (mild) frostbite?

[go-qoli-gwej]

It has been really cold here for the past few days, like -20C overnight. I have done everything I can think of to prevent frostbite. Their enclosed run is wrapped in wind-proofing plastic, I've been adding vaseline to their combs before they go to roost in the evening, and I've had low-level supplemental heat in the coop (just a heated panel that brings the temperature inside up a few degrees and then auto-shuts off).
There are open vents inside the coop which are technically above the roost, but the whole coop is only around 8 ft long with vents near the ceiling on both sides so I can't really imagine an improved placement.
Is the discoloration on their combs mild frostbite? Is there anything I can do to treat it? Should I expect it to progress?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Don't touch it, don't put anything on it, just leave it alone. Handling it just hurts it and can damage it more, and vaseline does nothing.

 

[Eggcessive]

The comb tips in the rear on the first chicken and in the front on the second chicken, could be mild frostbite. There are also a couple of peck wounds on the black one. Within a week or so, you may be able to tell how much damage there is. It may not be much. I never recommend putting any creams or ointments on combs and wattles during freezing weather, since those also can freeze and do more harm. In -20 degree temps, there is little more that you can do to prevent frostbite on large combs. Preventing dampness in bedding or water spills, and having no direct wind drafts can help. Let us know in a few days how the combs look.

 

[Eggcessive]

Here are some good articles with pictures of what to look for:
https://poultry.extension.org/articles/poultry-health/frostbite-in-chickens/#:~:text=HOW CAN YOU TELL WHEN,the ends of the wattles.

https://the-chicken-chick.com/frostbit-in-backyard-chickens-causes/

https://poultrydvm.com/condition/frostbite

 

[go-qoli-gwej]

I never recommend putting any creams or ointments on combs and wattles during freezing weather, since those also can freeze and do more harm.

Oh, that is good to know! I was under the impression that they offered a protective barrier. I wasn't going to reapply it, because I know the effected tissue would be really sensitive but now I know it's not worth it in the first place...

 

[Eggcessive]

Avoid massaging or handling the tissue that may be frostbitten. Frostbite can first appear white, then can turn yellow then black.I have seen some that looked mildly frostbitten, but a week or two later, they did not have any signs of it. Let us know how they get along.

 

[go-qoli-gwej]

Avoid massaging or handling the tissue that may be frostbitten. Frostbite can first appear white, then can turn yellow then black.I have seen some that looked mildly frostbitten, but a week or two later, they did not have any signs of it. Let us know how they get along.

Yes, I haven't been touching their combs since noticing.
Everybody is looking good now, although we have more subzero nights on the horizon. Fingers crossed!

 

[Possum-Pie]

I live in Southern Pennsylvania and this past week it was below 0 F. many days. My rooster got the back spike of his comb frostbitten, and my coop has great ventilation. Chickens can survive cold, but -8F is too cold. After the first several days, I put a heat lamp there before bed to get it to about 20 F, then turned it off. I don't want them to get acclimated to the warm, but I don't want all of their combs to fall off...

 

[go-qoli-gwej]

I live in Southern Pennsylvania and this past week it was below 0 F. many days. My rooster got the back spike of his comb frostbitten, and my coop has great ventilation. Chickens can survive cold, but -8F is too cold. After the first several days, I put a heat lamp there before bed to get it to about 20 F, then turned it off. I don't want them to get acclimated to the warm, but I don't want all of their combs to fall off...

This is pretty much where I have landed too. I've been really hesitant about leaving supplemental heat running in their coop unattended, and also don't want them to get acclimatized to a warmer temp but I have taken to leaving the panel on during these -20 degree nights (like I said, it auto-shuts off) and they seem okay in the daytime cold.