How to Treat Frostbite in Chickens
Most chickens live on commercial farms and are raised either as egg-layers or for their meat. Commercial chicken farms keep the chickens in the chicken house both as a health measure and to make it easier to control them. On smaller farms or in rural settings where chickens often run around outdoors, cold weather can mean frostbite for the chickens, just as it can for humans and other animals. Chickens often choose to be outdoors, even in the coldest weather and even when they have a warm hen house to return to. There are times when, despite all precautions, frostbite occurs and the chickens must be treated.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Treating Frostbite in Chickens
-
1
Check the chicken's feet, combs and wattles for discoloration. Brown or black discoloration indicates frostbite.
-
2
Rub antibiotic cream on discolored areas to prevent infection and possible gangrene. Frostbite causes damage to tissue cells because of impaired blood flow. The tissue must be regenerated while preventing the damage caused by frostbite from spreading to other parts of the chicken's body.
-
-
3
Consider amputation to prevent gangrene and reduce the discomfort to the bird if a frostbitten comb seems to be deteriorating. Cut off the dark area carefully with a sharp sterile knife or scissors. Treat the cut by putting antibiotic cream and a sterile dressing over it. Continue to treat the area with antibiotic cream and a dressing until the cut has healed.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Remember that prevention is the best cure. Hens may like to be outside, but they aren't very smart. Make the decision for them---keep them in their hen house when the temperatures dip to the single digits.
Make sure the chickens have fresh water and good nutritious food to help keep them healthy.
If the chickens must go outside during the coldest days, rub petroleum jelly on their wattles and combs to help protect these exposed areas. Don't let the chickens stay outside for more than an hour or so at a time.
The local Department of Agriculture offices have professional consultants on call to answer questions about livestock. A list of local offices can be found in the references.
