Chickens & Frostbite

Chickens, like other animals, can suffer from frostbite when the weather gets cold. Most chickens are tolerant of or even prefer the cold over heat, but when the temperature drops, they're prone to frostbite, especially in unheated or exposed areas. If you own chickens, you should be concerned about protecting your chickens from frostbite during the winter.

  1. Occurence

    • Frostbite can occur in chickens any time the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for a long time. Chickens that are without shelter or in shelter that does not protect them in the wind may suffer from frostbite.

    Frostbite Areas

    • Chickens suffering from frostbite usually are frostbitten on the combs, wattles or toes. Areas that are covered with feathers are usually sufficiently protected to prevent frostbite. Frostbitten areas may turn white or black and, in some cases, the chicken may lose extremities such as toes.

    Significance

    • Birds that are frostbitten on the combs and wattles will not lay eggs and will be infertile until the frostbitten areas have healed up. Birds that lose toes will be crippled and have a hard time standing. These birds will not lay eggs or be fertile while the injury heals. When very cold, chickens may suffer from egg binding, a condition where the eggs stay stuck in the bird's body.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Many poultry owners use petroleum jelly to help prevent frostbite, but it is more important to have good shelter that keeps your chickens out of the wind and dry. Ensure there is a good water source that doesn't freeze, and feed more to your chickens to help them maintain enough calories to heat themselves. Change your birds' perches to flat perches so that their feathers cover their toes. You may also wish to provide a heat source to keep them warm.

    Considerations

    • If you live in a cold-weather climate, you should choose birds that are specially bred for handling cold weather. Those birds usually have small combs and wattles. Some cold-weather birds include Aracaunas, Brahmas, Campines and dominiques.