What can happen to chickens feet if they freeze?

[Smokey2201]

I have a 3 month old chick and I guess his mom abandon him so when I went to check on them his feet are hard and won't move! I think they are frozen! I have him inside under a heat lamp. I am worried about him but he seems to be completely fine. He can walk but he limps a little. Whats gonna happen?

 

[Eggcessive]

How cold is it where you live at night? Was he inside the coop? A 3 month old chick should be fully able to withstand the winter temperatures as the others if he is in a coop at night that is free of direct drafts. Unfortunately in winter, many chickens will accidentally step into the water bowls in freezing temperatures, causing their feet to freeze. I would bring him inside. Here is a good link about frostbite--please read the rest of it, and follow the excerpt below for your chick:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2013/12/frostbit-in-backyard-chickens-causes.html

DO move a frostbitten chicken to a warmer location upon discovery of a severe case of exposure where the tissue is black or large areas of tissue are affected to stop any further cold injury from progressing.

DO obtain veterinary care immediately if possible.

DO consult a veterinarian for prescription medication for pain and inflammation (Metacam is commonly prescribed for this purpose). Alternatively, five aspirin (five grain each) dissolved in one gallon of water may be given for 1-3 days. (aspirin dilution source: Chicken Health for Dummies)

DO gradually warm the affected area(s). Frostbitten feet should be immersed in lukewarm water between 100°F and 101°F for 20-25 minutes to bring the tissues back up to temperature SLOWLY. For combs and wattles, washcloths soaked in lukewarm water can be held very gingerly against them. Avoid rubbing or any friction that could cause additional damage to tissues.

 

[Eggcessive]

If your chick's feet turn out to be frostbitten, it can take weeks to see the final results. Here are some threads from last year about a couple of chickens that had frozen feet:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/842760/frost-bitten-feet
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/458475/frostbitten-feet-prosthesis-ideas
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/635270/please-help-chickens-foot-fell-off

 

[Smokey2201]

I opened the door in the morning and was gone the rest of the day until I got back. Its only one foot. It is swollen and bright red. How do I know if it is frost bitten?

 

[Eggcessive]

I opened the door in the morning and was gone the rest of the day until I got back. Its only one foot. It is swollen and bright red. How do I know if it is frost bitten?

I would bring her in, and follow the treatment for frostbite, and hope she doesn't have it. Sometimes it takes a few days to determine the damage.

 

[Smokey2201]

Ok I will do that. Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

Please let us know how she is doing in a few days. I really hope the foot is not frostbitten. Losing toes is not as serious as the whole foot. It is a challenge in the winter to keep water thawed, and prevent them from accidentally stepping in it. Good luck.

 

[Smokey2201]

Thanks, I'll let you know.

 

[Smokey2201]

None of the vets in my area would do anything about him. So he has been inside. I am pretty sure he has frostbite. The very tips of his toes and nails are turning black. His foot is very swollen everywhere. His other foot isn't as bad but also swollen. Is there anything I can do to help him?

 

[Eggcessive]

None of the vets in my area would do anything about him. So he has been inside. I am pretty sure he has frostbite. The very tips of his toes and nails are turning black. His foot is very swollen everywhere. His other foot isn't as bad but also swollen. Is there anything I can do to help him?

If he is inside and warm, you can soak his feet in warm epsom salts daily which can soothe and reduce inflammation. Or you can spray his feet with iodine to help prevent infection. Could you post a picture of his feet? It can take several weeks to see the extent of the damage. Any blackened areas may fall off. It's good that the other foot isn't as badly affected.