Winter Care For Chickens

 

 

Contributing Factors to Frostbite

• Freezing Temperatures
• No access to shelter
• A coop allows water, rain and snow to leak inside
• High humidity in coop from accumulations of droppings, not enough pine shavings

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Frostbite Prevention

• Apply any one of the following: Vaseline/Petroleum Jelly/Bag Balm/Waxelene/Coconut Oil, to their combs and wattles prior to roosting each evening.
• Keep the coop dry and weatherproof.
• Provide plenty of roosting space for evening use.
• Do not let you hens sleep on the floor of the coop.
• Clean the coop as necessary.  Keep the shavings dry and clean.

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Frostbite Treatment

• Depending on the severity of the frostbite, you may need to bring the chicken inside to assess the injury.
• Frostbite can put a stress on the chicken’s body, add some vitamins and electrolytes to their drinking water or poultry drench. Some say, roosters can even become infertile at this time!
• Watch for other chickens pecking at the frostbitten areas.  If this occurs, you may need to create a hospital area for your chicken. Blu-Kote might also deter other chickens from pecking.
• If left alone, the frostbitten wattles/combs should turn black, dry up, harden and fall off; leaving behind new skin.

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Full Article Source: Tylly’s Nest

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