If you’ve never experienced a January in Minnesota, you should, at least once in your life! I was born and raised here, and still, there are times when I’m surprised at the sub-zero temperatures we get! I mean the kind of temperatures where your skin hurts just being outside, and your lungs sting when you inhale too quickly.
Usually around this time of year, weather officials start to warn about the dangers these temps can cause. They tell us it’s important to take special care to cover our exposed skin, pack an extra pair of clothes when driving and dress as warm as possible in order to prevent frostbite.
So, what does this have to do with chickens? Chickens can get frostbite, too! Most of the time, chickens can tolerate cooler temps. However, they are susceptible to frostbite just like us when these temps get dangerously low.
What Does Frostbite on Chickens Look Like?
Frostbite on chickens appears as black spots or areas on the tips of their comb or wattles. Depending on the severity of frostbite, the tissue will turn black. Meaning it’s dead, and it won’t grow back. However, it does help protect the tissue underneath. With that being said, you should NEVER try to rub it or trim it off.
Although frostbite cannot kill a chicken, if not taken care of, it can lead to an infection and long-term nerve damage. Most frostbite settles in on unfeathered areas such as combs, wattles, toes, feet and legs. Frostbite is more likely to be found after an area has thawed and become swollen.
The first signs of frostbite can be seen as their combs or wattles turn an off-white or pale color and their legs will appear slightly red.
To hear from the experts, check out Poultry DVM on the stages of frostbite, clinical signs and treatment options.
I remember coming out to the coop last winter. It was -60 degrees Fahrenheit (with the wind chill). I had a heat source, but unless your coop is insulated, that temp is tough to manage! My girls all had a patch of frost on their backs. I totally freaked out! A couple of them with larger combs had little black spots along the top. Other than that, they seemed just fine.
When the weather changes drastically like this, I make sure to give my girls Flock Fixer. Extreme weather changes can cause stress in your chickens. Stress can cause compromised immune systems and lead to infections and illness. Flock Fixer provides the necessary vitamins, minerals and electrolytes they need to help them through these stressful times.
What Temperature Do Chickens Get Frostbite?
According to Poultry DVM, when temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C) with wind chill, chickens are at risk of getting frostbite, especially roosters and large comb breeds. Roosters are particularly vulnerable due to their larger combs and wattles. To ensure their safety, owners must provide draft-free shelter and monitor their flock daily to ensure they are warm and secure during harsh winters.
How to Prevent Frostbite in Chickens
If you know that temperatures are going to dip and you want to prevent frostbite, or if you find your chickens already have frostbite, here are a couple of things you can do:
Apply a Protective Salve Apply some sort of protective salve on their combs, wattles and feet if necessary for mild freezing. Vaseline, coconut oil, or bag balm can help protect the skin, similar to using it in humans when our lips are chapped. However, keep in mind that if temperatures are below freezing, Vaseline or jellies will also freeze.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Keeping your coop well-ventilated year-round is crucial. Proper airflow prevents moisture buildup, which reduces the risk of frostbite on combs and wattles. Whether it’s hot or cold outside, ventilation is vital for your flock’s health!
Provide Electrolytes and Vitamins
Cold weather can stress chickens, weakening their immune systems. Products like Flock Fixer offer essential vitamins and electrolytes to support them through harsh weather changes and stress.
Create Ample Roosting Space
Chickens naturally huddle to stay warm. Make sure there’s plenty of roosting space so everyone can snuggle in. If there’s not enough space for roosting, one may be left on the floor, separated from the flock and their heat.
Avoid Open Water Bowls
Use an electric nipple waterer instead of an open bowl. Open waterers can wet chickens’ heads and feet, increasing the risk of frostbite when it’s freezing out.
Keep Bedding Dry
Damp bedding can lead to frostbite. I use Coop Recuperate and the deep litter method to keep the bedding fresh and dry, reducing moisture and protecting my girls’ feet. Also make sure to replace and put down new bedding frequently.
Add a Safe Heat Source
While chickens usually don’t need heat lamps, extreme cold may require a safe heating option like a caged heat lamp or heating panel. Do your research to find a safe choice, as heat lamps can pose a fire risk.
How to Treat Chickens with Frostbite
If one of your chickens gets frostbite, here’s how to help:
Isolate the Affected Chicken Separate them in a dog crate or similar enclosure within the coop. This keeps other chickens from pecking at the frostbitten areas.
Warm Slowly
If needed, bring the chicken inside to warm up, but avoid rapid heating (i.e., don’t use hair dryers or fireplaces). Instead, wrap them in a warm, dry towel. For frostbitten feet, create a warm foot bath with lukewarm water.
Don’t Trim Frostbitten Tissue
Never cut or rub the affected area. Frostbitten tissue will naturally fall off as it heals, and trimming can increase infection risk.
Apply Natural Antiseptics Use a natural would spray like Bye-Bye Boo-Boos with lavender and tea tree oils with strong antibacterial properties. This spray can be applied to frostbitten areas, helping heal any affected spots and reduce discomfort. Apply it gently to combs, wattles or toes to promote healing and keep your chickens comfortable during recovery. It’s great for soothing inflammation and pain.
Call Your Veterinarian If the frostbite appears severe or if you notice signs of infection, contact your veterinarian. They can provide guidance on further treatment and help ensure a safe recovery for your chicken.
Can Chickens Recover From Frostbite?
When it comes to frostbite in chickens, seeing tissue drop off may be distressing, but it’s a natural part of the healing process. Dead tissue will eventually fall off, leaving healthy tissue behind, resulting in a slightly altered appearance. However, it’s crucial to prevent infection in the affected area. Frostbite itself is unlikely to be fatal, but an infection can spread rapidly. If frostbite is extreme or becomes infected, please make sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.
It’s important to keep in mind that the healing process for frostbite in chickens is not a quick fix. It can actually take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks for the affected areas to recover fully. While this may seem like a long time, it is crucial to remain patient and vigilant for any sign of infection or nerve damage in your feathered friends.
If you’re a backyard chicken keeper, more than likely these feathered friends have quickly turned into family! So, when a couple of my girls got frostbite, I felt like a horrible chicken mama. Don’t let this get the best of you! Do what you can to take the best care of your birds, learn what you can do differently and then give them a little extra TLC. They will love it and so will you!
Until next time,
-The Wing Lady
Flock Fixer - Hydrate & Restore Health During Times of Challenge
You can’t always see it, but your flock will experience a weakened immune system during times of challenge. Flock Fixer is a vitamin-rich additive that helps hydrate, restore vital nutrients and balance digestive health.
Coop Recuperate - Freshen Up Your Chicken Coop Coop Recuperate is a safe and natural way to care for your coop. This coop refresher contains organic eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oil, along with diatomaceous earth to reduce odor and moisture and help improve the quality of your compost.
Bye-Bye Boo-Boos - Wound Care for Chickens
Bye-Bye, Boo-Boos is a safe and natural way to soothe and mend wounds, cuts, scrapes and abrasions for your flock. It contains organic lavender, tea tree essential oils and vitamin E to aid healing and protection from infection.