Instructions
Enlist the help of a friend--who is not afraid of chickens--to hold the poultry while treatment is administered.
Walk, quietly and slowly, into the chicken coop. One person should pick up a chicken in a protective cradle hold. This will make the chicken feel secure, while keeping the wings close to the body.
Open a jar of petroleum jelly. The person not holding the chicken should liberally apply the jelly to the wattle and comb of the bird. Massage the jelly into all red skin showing on the poultry's head. Finish up by leaving a thick coat of jelly on the comb and wattle.
Observe the comb and wattle when applying the jelly. If any area on the wattle and comb are black, the bird may already have frostbite. Be very careful when applying petroleum jelly to this area and the skin surrounding it.
Reapply petroleum jelly as needed. Pick up a chicken and touch the comb. If the red skin feels dry, it is time to reapply. If the skin still feels slightly oily or greasy the previous application is still doing its job.
How to Protect Chicken Combs From Winter Cold
Chickens can actually get frostbite on their combs and wattles on cold winter days. If fact, a hard frost could cause a painful case of frostbite to unlucky fowl. Unfortunately, poultry are unable to regrow damaged combs or wattles, so to avoid this situation, follow the steps below.