Ways to help prevent frostbite from your chickens

Here are some great ways to help prevent your chickens from getting frostbite.

Having a well ventilated coop

You might think that having a well-ventilated coop is for just the summer, but it is super important for the winter too! If your coop is not well-ventilated then the moisture in the coop has nowhere to escape.

Choose cold hardy breeds

If you live in an extremely cold climate then you should choose breeds that are known for being cold-hardy. Usually, cold hardy breeds have smaller combs and are larger in size. Some common breeds that are known for being cold-hardy are Orpingtons, Ameraucanas, and Rhode Island Reds.

Keep their food and water outside of the coop

Since moisture is ultimately what causes frostbite, you don’t want to keep their food and water in the coop. Plus they can’t see in the dark so they wouldn’t need their food and water in there anyways.

You can put a homemade salve on their combs and wattles

Putting a homemade salve or even some coconut oil can help prevent frostbite! This will help put a little barrier between the cold moisture and their combs.

Other articles that you may like:

• Reasons why your hens may not be laying
• A guide to raising chicks week by week!
• Three reasons why you need a rooster!