Duncan08 Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 Hi Everyone, I bought the Omlet winter health pack and in it there is "stuff" (like vaseline) for smearing on Wattles and Combs in bad weather. Does anyone do this? How cold does it really need to be before you do? I cant imagine it stays on very long as the girls always have their heads in something, so kind of thinking it is a bit gimmicky, but if it does help I would be more than willing to give it a go. And what do you do if you have 50 chucks???? Thanks Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 I have never done this. Temperatures last year were so cold, the eggs froze - and I still didn't notice any problems with my hens' wattles or combs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 Can't see my lot being prepared to sit still whilst i rub their combs with vaseline, not a hope, I wouldn't think! I guess it might be easier to do if two people are available, but don't think I could do it alone, one pair of hands is just NOT enough!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 I have smeared vaseline on girls with big floppy combs, but only when its got below -10. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan08 Posted December 14, 2011 Author Share Posted December 14, 2011 Thanks for replies. It confirms what I thought, I have only got 3 girls, so it wouldnt be a massive job, but agree a little fiddly on these dark wet mornings. It just didn't make much sense as something really necessary, you simply couldn't do a large flock, it would have come off the first girls before you got to the last ones. Sounds like someone trying to take advantage of us over-indulgent "pet" chicken owners - its not hard really is it Everytime I tell myself they are only chickens, I end up buying something else Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 I've never done it and none of mine have ever had frost-bitten combs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 I did it the first winter i had them because, like you, i heard about people doing it. Ive never done it again! and i havent had any frozen combs or wattles snap off Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeky Chooky Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 Everytime I tell myself they are only chickens, I end up buying something else I bought my girls a little plastic stool from IKEA the other night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenNutter Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 Everytime I tell myself they are only chickens, I end up buying something else I bought my girls a little plastic stool from IKEA the other night And I am sure it made them very happy! Good for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 I hate to think of the complete mess mine would be in - covered in vaseline topped off with a layer of aubiose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfer_chicken Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 I haven't used it for the cold, but I have to stop bullies getting a good hold on combs/wattles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redcharlie43 Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 I am going to put vasaline on my girls combs this year as 2 of my girls got frostbite last year when they stuck their heads in the water to have a drink and their combs froze. I live in Surrey so it wasn't that cold either. It didn't seem do them any harm but didn't look very pretty, especially when the black tips of their combs eventually came off. I also put a bit of vasaline on the combs of any of them being bullied as it can stop the bully getting quite such a good grip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 We got some in stock just in case there was a problem, also for one of our hens who still has a brood patch! (she's only grown 1 line of feathers down the middle, but she still is bald either side ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouldercroft Posted December 15, 2011 Share Posted December 15, 2011 My girls survived an awfully cold Boston, USA winter without Vaseline or heaters...they're tough fluffy things, Just a bit of porridge on cold mornings and some extra cracked corn on the terribly cold days (-22C). Seriously...they survive the winters better than I do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted December 15, 2011 Share Posted December 15, 2011 i did use vaseline on mine last yr only cos one of the girls combs was bleeding - prob injury as opposed to the cold but wasnt taking any chances Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Potts Posted December 15, 2011 Share Posted December 15, 2011 They are old and usually their combs are red, but I do use it when their combs start turning blue as they frequently do now. I tend to think that is a sign that they aren't in top top shape, so like to think it helps in some way (perhaps mistakenly but it makes me feel better!). I have to say if all three have their head in a meal worm bucket, it isn't too difficult to do - they are too busy to notice you creeping up behind ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 15, 2011 Share Posted December 15, 2011 Their combs are heat sinks, so will shrink slightly and look paler in the winter. If they are blue (Mrs Potts) then give them a check over as it could be a sign of a heart or respiratory problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memphisto Posted December 15, 2011 Share Posted December 15, 2011 I've just a smidge of my wattle and comb protector today on one of my ex batts as her comb was very dry and sore, she did not appreciate it one bit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mum Posted December 18, 2011 Share Posted December 18, 2011 Vaseline can also be used for scaley leg. First you use surgical spirit (diluted) then apply vaseline. Just thought I'd throw that in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
