Chicken combs should be protected from winter cold.
Chickens can handle cold weather.Chickens' exposed skin, in combs and wattles, can suffer a lot from cold.When the temperature drops, you can protect their skin and prepare their environment to keep their combs safe.Chickens can be kept happy and warm with a few preventative measures.
Step 1: Wait until the evening.
Wait until the birds enter the roost for the night before applying any covering.It is when the temperature is the lowest that your chickens are most vulnerable to frostbite.
Step 2: It's a good idea to check for signs of cold.
Don't add anything to your chicken's comb if they are already suffering from frostbite.The areas of the comb will be black.You can still apply a covering, but be careful as it will be very sensitive.If you notice damage to the skin, treat it.The chicken should be moved to a warm area.Hold the cloth against the frostbitten areas by soaking it in water.Don't rub the comb or use direct heat to dry it.Don't break off the blackened tips because combs do not grow back.The chicken will have trouble regulating body heat during the summer.
Step 3: It's a good idea to apply petroleum jelly.
The chicken's wattle needs to be covered and comb liberally.There is exposed red skin around the head.After you have rubbed some in, leave an extra thick coat on the comb and wattle.It is very important to avoid getting anything into the birds' eyes.If you want a natural alternative to petroleum jelly, consider using olive oil, coconut oil or a product like Waxelene.
Step 4: Apply when the skin is dry.
Pick up the combs and touch the skin to make sure they stay warm.You should apply another coat if the comb feels dry.The original coat is still there if it feels greasy.
Step 5: Chicken breeds are cold-weather.
If you are in a cold climate, you may consider raising some breeds that are better in cold weather.Breeds with larger bodies and smaller combs are best for cold-weather birds.It means more body fat to keep the skin warm.There are some great breeds for cold weather.
Step 6: Don't let the coop get out of hand.
If you want to avoid having a drafty coop, there should be some air circulation.The overhang is where the walls meet the roof.As long as you remember to open the windows during the day, you can close them at night.To keep the environment safe, it is important that the coop is not sealed.It can lead to frostbite if humidity is trapped in a sealed coop.A build up of ammonia gas from the chickens' droppings will damage their lungs.
Step 7: Wide roosting bars can be built.
Chickens should have a wide enough area for them to perch with their bodies covering the top and bottom of their feet to prevent them from getting cold.It's a good idea to install a 2x4 with the 4” side facing up.
Step 8: Use a heat source.
If you face cold winters, you may want to put a small heating device in the house.You don't want it to be too warm.Chickens won't get used to the cold weather if the coop is too warm.An electric light bulb is a good option as it provides heat without being as much of a fire hazard.
Step 9: The bedding needs to be changed every few days.
Chickens roost in wet bedding in cold weather, so don't allow them to do so.If you're going to be dealing with wet conditions, make sure the bedding material is deep and dry.
Step 10: Feed a bit more.
Adding corn or scratch to your chickens' diet is a good idea during the cold weather.Adding a little more fat to your animals will help them.Adding a little bit more doesn't replace your regular feeding amount.
Step 11: Make sure they have fresh water.
To keep your birds hydrated, fill their water and keep it clean.Break it up if you notice ice forming.Remove any eggs.Chicken eggs are 75 percent water, so if they stay in the house, they will freeze and crack.