[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Did you know that chickens can get frostbite? While most chicken breeds adapt well to the cold, when winter brings cold, wet, snowy weather, your flock may be more susceptible to developing frostbite.\u00a0A flock\u2019s susceptibility to frostbite is largely determined by their breed, the housing structures, and environment that is available to your flock. Avoid and prevent frostbite in your flock by understanding it and the conditions that make it possible.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||16px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Frostbite occurs when extremely cold, windy, and damp weather conditions cause blood-flow to redirect to the vital organs in order to keep them warm. As a result, the extremities receive less blood flow and the fluid beneath the skin becomes more vulnerable to freeze. This results in cell damage and an eventual darkening of the affected area as tissue death occurs. Luckily, frostbite develops in stages, and knowing what to look for can help you better protect your flock.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||16px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When frostbite first starts to happen within your flock, it is not always obvious.\u00a0The parts of your chickens that are most susceptible to frostbite are the parts that are most exposed to the elements. These include the comb, wattles, and the feet. Here is what to look for:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Stage 1:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Your chickens’ skin may appear slightly reddened and be cold to the touch.\u00a0<\/p>\n Stage 2:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Further\u00a0color changes to tissues occur such as lightening, whitening, and paleness.<\/p>\n Stage 3:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Affected tissues may feel cold or hard to the touch, become numb, and show signs of muscle stiffness.<\/p>\n Stage 4:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Blackening of the tissue accompanied by nerve damage and possible infection.<\/p>\n Stages 1-3, referred to as frostnip, can be reversed with proper care and by slowly warming the skin. This should be done gradually with indirect heat. For example, you may want to prepare dry bedding or wrap them in a warm, dry towel.\u00a0If the feet are becoming severely affected, they can be soaked in lukewarm water in order to slowly bring their temperature back to normal.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/beta5.technodreamcenter.com\/chickencoopsdelivered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/frostbite.webp” title_text=”frostbite” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||16px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#7C0A09″ custom_margin=”||-2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The first way to limit frostbite is to choose cold-hardy breeds of chickens if you live in a cold climate. Some most common breeds that do not mind cold winters are Orpingtons,\u00a0Australorps,\u00a0<\/span>Silkie Bantams<\/a><\/strong><\/span>,\u00a0Rhode Island Reds,\u00a0New Hampshire Reds,\u00a0Barred Rocks, Delawares, and Brahmas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#7C0A09″ custom_margin=”||-2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Insulating your chicken coops will help make your chickens more comfortable, and happy, while significantly reducing their risk for frostbite during the winter.\u00a0If you live in a cold climate it is recommended that you add sheets of insulation, use a spray foam insulation, or\u00a0add a few layers of cardboard\u00a0to your coop to prevent cold air drafts.<\/p>\n Chicken Coops and Insulation:<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0We noticed that many chicken coops on the market are only made for having chickens seasonally, and they did not come with a floor. So we got to work creating a chicken coop that will meet all your needs and will last many years. Each of our chicken coops come with flooring and siding that has been treated with resin. In addition to insulation, our coops are\u00a0designed for superior moisture resistance.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#7C0A09″ custom_margin=”||-2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Chicken’s produce a lot of moisture through their breath and from their droppings, and when temperatures are low, that added moisture can contribute to an increased risk of frostbite. To prevent moisture from building up inside the coop, you will want to provide adequate ventilation and airflow. Ventilation should be provided through windows or vents that are towards the top of the coop and away from the roost or nesting boxes.<\/p>\n Chicken Coops and Ventilation:<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Our chicken coops are thoughtfully designed for your flock to endure the colder weather. In addition to screened windows, each of our coops are equipped with 2 vents on each gable end towards the upper point to let air flow through the coop.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#7C0A09″ custom_margin=”||-2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Adding supplemental heat to the coop can help prevent your chickens from developing frostbite by combating moisture, the cold, or a combination of both. Check out our<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>electrical heat package<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>for a poultry safe way to warm up your coop.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#7C0A09″ custom_margin=”||-2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Lastly, you can prevent moisture and keep your chickens warm throughout harsh winters by making sure that their bedding is clean and dry.\u00a0Removing wet, soiled litter and droppings helps keep moisture levels low, but if you find that you require a drier coop, you can try switching to pine shavings during the winter for bedding that remains warm and resists moisture.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\nWhat Is Frostbite?<\/span><\/h2>\n
How to Spot Early Signs of Frostbite<\/span><\/h2>\n
Preventing Frostnip and Frostbite<\/span><\/h2>\n
Choosing Cold Hardy Breeds<\/span><\/h3>\n
Insulating The Coop<\/span><\/h3>\n
Ventilating the Coop<\/span><\/h3>\n
Providing Additional Heat<\/span><\/h3>\n
Keep Bedding Dry and Clean<\/span><\/h3>\n