My roosters have frostbite

[Greeneyedky]

So my 2 roosters have frost bite. I'm not sure why. Their coop is ventilated, plenty of fresh straw/bedding and has a heat lamp. I'm at a loss and so upset about their combs. I worry about them being in pain. Tomorrow I'm going to put Vaseline on their combs. I've read it is suppose to help.

Anyone else have any advice for frostbite on your chickens?

I live in northern Indiana. We're having a pretty cold winter. Last night with the wind it was -30°. The coop has straw bales around 3 sides to help block the wind and insulate

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

From my experience once the temperatures fall below -10 you aren't going to stop frostbite. Too much ventilation can be just as big of problem as not enough. Your heat lamp won't help because your birds generally get it at night on the roosts.

Roosters are more prone to frostbite because they don't tuck their head under their wing at night like hens do.

Leave them be, it will heal up, generally 6-12 weeks.

Your roosters will lose their points, and be less prone to frostbite next year.

 

[Greeneyedky]

Thank you. I'll post a picture of the coop area tomorrow. I tried to give plenty of ventilation but not enough to let them freeze.

Figures the one yr I get chickens, we get an awful winter. I know they are "birds" but I care about them and only want them to be cared for properly.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I care about my birds too. It's not about caring, it's about understanding what you can and cannot do to prevent frostbite.

My big shed I see frostbite every year in my large combed roosters. It's well ventilated.

My bantam coop I see no frostbite, it's well insulated and I close all my windows and doors when it's below zero. An insulated coop is a necessity if you want to avoid frostbite in my experiences.

Both temperatures and moisture contribute to frostbite. You have to find what works for you.

 

[centrarchid]

My roosters in deep sleep do tuck their heads into wings at night, especially when not overly crowded or otherwise disturbed.

When I am trying control frost bite under extreme cold, then using heat is effective but you are really putting a lot of heat into a system where you are trying to keep humidity low and control fire risk.

Next year I am going try a heated roost. Problem is with birds that go outside, the frost bite occurs during the day when they leave cover of the pen / barn.

 

[Lolacan]

Insulation and ventilation for the moisture. Good filling food and fresh water will all help but not eliminate. Does anyone know if Vaseline really works?

I certainly have no problem using heat laps if I have to, but to just take the edge off.