Run wanted

[gaufron]

I have just got back from helping out with the arrival of a new grandchild. My husband was in charge (of everything, dogs horses, and chickens) the temperature dropped very suddenly down to minus 16 last week. One of my three hens started bleeding from her comb and now the tips are black. It dosn't seem to bother her she is eating and laying normaly. should I do anything? or let nature take its course. I have put extra insulation in the form of an old duvet over their house, is there anything else I should do? We are expecting more double figure low temperatures tonight.

[Patricia W]

I think you put vaseline on the comb to prevent it - not sure what to do when it's happened but someone on here will know.

[hippy chick]

I was wondering the same, my gwenie has a bit of frostbite on the tips of her comb. I put vaseline on her yesterday but she still got it. Is there anything else that I can do?

[sandyhas3chucks]

bring them indoors to sleep... a large straw filled card board box or 2 would suffice?

[Egluntyne]

The mixture of damp and cold will predispose them to frost bite.

 

Eliminate drafts and make their environment as dry as possible and you will go a long way towards preventing frostbite problems.

 

There are some balms available specifically for hen's combs, and Calendula Ointment is recommended on other forums.